His analysis sheds light on how public procurement systems may have been abused and why the ongoing case has drawn nationwide attention.
In a public commentary shared on social media, Kwaku Azar broke down the legal issues surrounding the case between the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP) and the former PPA boss.
The case follows investigations prompted by an investigative documentary that exposed alleged corruption in Ghana’s procurement sector.
According to the explanation, the matter was officially referred to the OSP by the President after concerns were raised about potential conflicts of interest and abuse of office.
At the center of the case is the claim that Abdul-Hamid held multiple powerful roles within the PPA at the same time.
These roles reportedly included serving as CEO, sitting on the Governing Board, and participating in a due diligence unit responsible for approving companies seeking government contracts.
Kwaku Azar explained that such overlapping positions already placed Abdul-Hamid in a sensitive situation, where ethical standards required full transparency and strict avoidance of conflicts of interest.
The controversy deepened when investigators allegedly discovered that a private company, Talent Discovery Limited (TDL), was registered shortly after Abdul-Hamid assumed office.
The OSP claims the former PPA CEO held significant ownership and influence in the company while it was actively bidding for government contracts.
According to the allegations, this company participated in procurement processes involving major state institutions, including the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Works and Housing, and the Ghana Ports and Harbours Authority.
The concern raised by prosecutors is that Abdul-Hamid allegedly remained directly involved in procurement decisions while having a personal interest in a company competing for the same contracts.
Kwaku Azar explained that under Ghanaian procurement and public service laws, public officials are required to declare conflicts and step aside from any process where personal interest exists.
Failure to do so, he noted, is not just unethical but potentially criminal.
Investigators further allege that the former PPA CEO took part in key evaluation meetings, due diligence checks, and approval processes connected to tenders where TDL was involved.
In some instances, procurement arrangements were allegedly altered in ways that favored the company.
The OSP has since brought eight charges against Abdul-Hamid. These include accusations of using public office for personal gain and intentionally influencing procurement processes to benefit a privately owned company.
The projects named in the charges include school infrastructure works, drainage construction, and port facility upgrades across different parts of the country.
Kwaku Azar stressed that the case is not just about one individual but about protecting the integrity of Ghana’s public procurement system.
He noted that when procurement rules are manipulated, the state risks losing money, quality projects suffer, and public trust is damaged.
Legal observers say the case will test the strength and independence of Ghana’s anti-corruption institutions.
Many citizens are closely watching to see whether the law will be applied fairly and without political interference.
The former PPA CEO is expected to respond fully to the allegations as the legal process continues. As required by law, he is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.