Celebrated Ghanaian playwright and theatre academic, Dr. Mohammed Ben-Abdallah, has passed away at the age of 81.
His death occurred on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and was confirmed by his son, Abdul Muiz Abass, in a heartfelt Facebook post shared the following day.
“Inna Lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji’un (Surely we belong to Allah and to Him shall we return). With deep sorrow and a heavy heart, I announce the passing of my beloved father, Dr. Mohammed Ibn Abdallah, who returned to his Maker yesterday. A man of wisdom, humility, and unwavering faith, he served his people, his family, and his country with honour and grace,” the post read.
Dr. Abdallah will be buried on Friday in Kumasi following Jumu’ah prayers, in accordance with Islamic tradition. A three-day Dua will also be observed, with additional funeral arrangements in Accra to be announced later.
Born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi, Dr. Abdallah began his career as a teacher before pursuing his passion for theatre. He studied at the University of Ghana, Legon, and later earned an MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia in 1976, followed by a PhD from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980.
A pioneering figure in Ghana’s cultural development, Dr. Abdallah played a leading role in the establishment of the National Theatre of Ghana and its resident companies — including the National Drama Company, National Dance Company, and the National Symphony Orchestra. He also served as Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, leaving a lasting legacy in both education and the arts.
