Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, the newly appointed Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has passed away.
He was confirmed dead by family sources at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
Prof. Akabzaa was appointed as the PURC Board chairman, along with seven other board members.
However, he was absent when Chief of Staff Julius Debrah inaugurated the board on Friday, March 28, 2025.
Throughout his career, Prof. Akabzaa held various roles, including Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy and Petroleum. He was well known for championing transparency, sustainable development, and reforms in Ghana’s natural resource governance.
A renowned academic and professional, Prof. Akabzaa was a Professor at the Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana. His research work in mining, environment, and natural resources earned him over 2,289 citations.
He authored two notable books: “Boom and Dislocation: Environmental and Social Impacts of Mining in the Wassa West District of Ghana” and “The Glittering Façade: Environmental and Health Impacts of Mining in the Obuasi Area.”
Prof. Akabzaa also had a distinguished career in public service, serving as Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy from 2011 to 2017.
He was recognized as the Best Performing Chief Director in 2013 and 2014.
His other notable roles included Board Chairman of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited and membership in several professional associations.
The cause of death has not been disclosed.