The newly appointed Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, is dead.
He was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to chair the eight-member PURC Board.
Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa could not attend his swearing in person but joined the other board virtually to be sworn into office.
Information available indicates that he passed away at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on Thursday, April 17, 2025.
The deceased was a professor in the Department of Earth Science at the University of Ghana, where his scholarly work in mining, environment, and natural resources earned him over 2,289 citations.
He also 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, both of which contributed significantly to the discourse on mining and its effects in Ghana.
In addition to his academic work, Prof. Akabzaa served as Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy from 2011 to 2017. His leadership at the ministry earned him the accolade of Best Performing Chief Director in 2013 and 2014.
He also held several key roles, including Board Chairman of the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited and membership in several professional associations both locally and internationally.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
