Family of late PURC Board Chair pays courtesy call on President ahead of final funeral rites – Nsemkeka
The family of the late Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC) Board Chairman, Professor Thomas Mba Akabzaa, on Tuesday, June 3, paid a solemn courtesy call on the Presidency to formally announce his passing and update President John Mahama on plans for his funeral.
Leading the delegation was former Minister for Works and Housing, Albert Abongo, who was accompanied by a host of distinguished personalities and family members, including Ing. William Amuna, former CEO of GRIDCo; Dr. Charles Abugre, former CEO of SADA; Charles Bawa Dua, Member of Parliament for Bongo; Edward Bawa, Managing Director of GOIL; Dr. Shafic Suleman, Executive Secretary of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission (PURC); and Esther Akabzaa, the NDC Women’s Organizer for the Bongo Constituency.
The widow, Mary Akabzaa, and her children were also present.
The delegation was warmly received by the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, who stood in for the President.
Also in attendance were Minister for Energy, John Jinapor, Nana Yaa Jantuah, a Presidential Staffer and board member of PURC, and the Chief Director at the Presidency.
Mr Debrah eulogised Prof. Akabzaa as “a true statesman” whose legacy in Ghana’s energy and mining sectors remains unmatched.
He assured the bereaved family of the state’s full support in honouring the late professor.
An emotional tribute came from the Energy Minister, John Jinapor, who described Prof. Akabzaa as more than a mentor—“a father figure” whose wisdom and dedication remained unwavering even during his final days in the hospital.
The family announced that pre-burial events will take place in Accra, with a wake on Wednesday, December 10, and a requiem mass on Thursday, December 11, 2025.
The final funeral rites and interment will follow in his hometown, Dua, in the Bongo District of the Upper East Region.
The family expressed deep appreciation to the President and the Presidency for their ongoing support and commitment to honouring the memory of one of Ghana’s most distinguished public servants.