Celebrated Ghanaian playwright and theatre scholar, Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah, has died at age 81.
The news of his passing was announced by his daughter, Akosua Abdallah, in a Facebook post on Friday, September 19, 2025.
She revealed that Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah died on Thursday, September 18, 2025.
‘Inna Lillahiwainnailayhiraji’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,” she wrote, sharing a video of joyous moment with her late dad.
The announcement said he will be laid to rest today, Friday, September 19, 2025 following Jumu’ah prayers, in accordance with Islamic rites in Kumasi.
The 3-day Dua will also be held in Kumasi.
“Please remember him in your prayers. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen,” she added.
Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah was born on 25th April, 1944 in Kumasi. He obtained a Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’ from Wesley College, Kumasi, before pursuing Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a diploma.
He later studied in the United States, obtaining an MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia in 1976 and a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980.
Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost playwrights, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the National Theatre of Ghana. He supervised its construction, established its organisational framework and ensured it had resident companies, including the National Drama Company, the National Dance Company and the National Symphony Orchestra.
He also served as Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana. His theatrical style blended traditional African performance with European elements, often reflecting post-colonial themes.
In politics, he served under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) as Secretary for Education and Culture in the 1980s and 1990s.
Dr Mohammed Ben Abdallah’s plays and writings include; ‘The Slaves’, ‘The Fall of Kumbi’, ‘Verdict of the Cobra’ and ‘The Trial of Mallam Ilya’, among others.
