The legal battle involving former National Petroleum Authority (NPA) Chief Executive Officer Dr. Mustapha Abdul-Hamid is set to continue without a lengthy break after the Accra High Court rejected a request by his legal team to postpone proceedings.

During proceedings on Tuesday, September 8, 2026, lead counsel Joseph Kpemka appealed to the court for an extended adjournment, citing health concerns, exhaustion among members of the defence team and the upcoming Ghana Bar Conference. The lawyers had hoped proceedings could be pushed to October to give them additional time to recover after what they described as a demanding legal year.

The court, however, declined the request and ordered all parties to return on Wednesday, September 9, for the continuation of the case management conference.

Speaking after the hearing, Kpemka explained that members of the defence team had attended proceedings throughout the legal vacation and were seeking only a short period to recuperate. Despite the court’s refusal, he confirmed that the defence would comply with the directive and appear when proceedings resume.

The latest ruling keeps the closely watched case moving forward at a time when legal attention surrounding Abdul-Hamid continues to intensify.

The former NPA boss and seven other accused persons are currently facing allegations connected to the alleged extortion of money from operators in Ghana’s petroleum sector. The accusations remain allegations that must be proven in court.

An earlier attempt by the accused persons to have the charge sheet struck out was unsuccessful, clearing the way for the pre-trial process to continue.

Abdul-Hamid, who previously served as Minister for Information under former President Nana Akufo-Addo, became Chief Executive Officer of the NPA in 2021.

With the court refusing to grant the extended break requested by his lawyers, attention will now turn to Wednesday’s proceedings as the case management conference resumes and the high-profile prosecution moves another step closer to trial.