Newly Appointed PURC Board Chairman Prof. Thomas Mba Akabzaa Passes Away

Accra, Ghana - 19 April, 2025 - Ghana mourns the sudden passing of a distinguished academic and public servant, Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, who had recently been appointed Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Board.

Prof. Akabzaa, a renowned expert in mining, environment, and natural resources, died on Thursday, April 17, 2025, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, leaving behind a legacy of scholarly work and public service.

Just weeks before his death, Prof. Akabzaa was sworn in as PURC Board Chairman, joining the eight-member board virtually due to health reasons. His appointment by President John Dramani Mahama was seen as a testament to his expertise and leadership skills, honed during his tenure as Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy and Board Chairman of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited.

As a Professor at the University of Ghana's Department of Earth Science, Prof. Akabzaa's research focused on the environmental and social impacts of mining, earning him over 2,289 citations and recognition as a leading authority in his field. His notable books, "Boom and Dislocation" and "The Glittering Façade", remain seminal works on the effects of mining in Ghana.

Source: Lead News Online