PURC Board Chairman Prof. Thomas Akabzaa passes away shortly after appointment

Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, recently appointed Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has died, just weeks after officially assuming his new role.

Prof. Akabzaa, who joined the eight-member PURC Board via a virtual swearing-in ceremony on March 28, 2025, was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama. Though he was unable to be physically present for the induction, he was confirmed as Chairman during the event. His sudden death has come as a shock to many and cast a somber tone over his recent appointment.

Family sources confirmed to Citi News that he passed away on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Prof. Akabzaa was a distinguished academic, serving as a Professor at the Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana. His research and expertise in mining, the environment, and natural resource governance earned him international recognition, with over 2,000 academic citations to his name.

He was the author of two influential 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. Both works critically examined the intersection of mining activities with social and environmental well-being in Ghana.

Beyond academia, Prof. Akabzaa held significant roles in public service. He served as Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy from 2011 to 2017, a period during which he was twice named Best Performing Chief Director in the public service. He also served as Board Chairman of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited and was affiliated with several professional bodies both in Ghana and internationally.

His passing is being mourned across academic, governmental, and regulatory circles, where he was widely respected for his intellect, dedication, and leadership.