By Ghana is grappling with the sudden death of Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, the newly appointed Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC). The news, first broken by MyNewsGh.com and amplified on X by Citi Newsroom and Channel One News Ghana, has left the nation in shock. No official cause of death has been disclosed, deepening the sense of loss.
A towering figure in academia and public service, Prof. Akabzaa was an Associate Professor of Geology at the University of Ghana. He held advanced degrees from McGill University. He also had global certifications in public policy and environmental management.
As Chief Director of the Ministry of Energy (2011-2017), he earned “Excellent” ratings for four consecutive years. He achieved 90% of set targets. Appointed PURC Chairman by President John Dramani Mahama, Akabzaa aimed to strengthen regulation of electricity, water, and gas services.
His untimely passing cuts short a promising tenure, leaving a void in Ghana’s energy and academic sectors. Tributes on X highlight his integrity and vision. The PURC faces the challenge of replacing a leader of his caliber, as Ghana honors his legacy of excellence and service.
