Gone too soon: Freshly appointed PURC Board Chairman dies suddenly

Ghana's PURC Board Chairman Thomas Mba Akabzaa Dies Suddenly

Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, the newly appointed Board Chairman of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC), has died. He passed away at the University of Ghana Medical Centre on April 17, 2025. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Akabzaa was appointed by President John Dramani Mahama to lead the eight-member PURC Board. He could not attend his swearing-in ceremony in person on March 28, 2025, but joined virtually.

Media Without Borders praised Akabzaa as "selflessness incarnate." Before joining PURC, he was a Professor at the University of Ghana's Department of Earth Science. His work focused on mining, environment, and natural resources.

Akabzaa authored two significant books about mining impacts in Ghana. He also served as Chief Director at the Ministry of Energy from 2011 to 2017. Additionally, he held key roles with the West African Gas Pipeline Company Limited and various professional associations.

Several notable figures from the National Democratic Congress (NDC) have also recently passed away. Mark Owen Woyongo, a former Minister of Defence and MP for Navrongo Central, died on January 17, 2024, at age 78.

Enoch Teye Mensah, former MP for Ningo-Prampram, died on October 2, 2023, at age 77. He served under various NDC governments in multiple ministerial roles.

Former High Commissioner to India Sam Pee Yalley died after a short illness on April 6. Sherry Ayittey, former Minister of Fisheries and Aquaculture Development under NDC, passed away on July 22, 2023; her cause of death was not disclosed.

The Speaker of Parliament expressed condolences for Yalley's passing. The NDC communications director described it as heart-wrenching news.