Distinguished Ghanaian playwright and theatre scholar, Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah, passed away on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at the age of 81.
The news was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Akosua Abdallah—a veteran actress and lecturer at the University of Ghana—in a Facebook post on Friday, September 19, 2025.
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In line with Islamic tradition, Dr. Abdallah will be laid to rest in Kumasi on Friday after Jumu’ah prayers, with a three-day Dua also scheduled to take place in the city.
Sharing her grief, Dr. Akosua Abdallah wrote:
“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. He will be laid to rest today, Friday, following Jumu’ah prayers in accordance with Islamic rites in Kumasi. The 3-day Dua will also be held in Kumasi. Details of the Accra arrangements will be shared in due course. Please remember him in your prayers. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen.”
Born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi, Dr. Abdallah’s academic journey began at Wesley College, where he earned a Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’.
He later studied Drama and Theatre at the University of Ghana, Legon, before advancing to the United States. There, he obtained an MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia (1976) and a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas at Austin (1980).
As a pioneering figure in Ghana’s cultural landscape, Dr. Abdallah played an instrumental role in the establishment of the National Theatre of Ghana.
He supervised its construction, structured its operations, and created its resident companies—the National Drama Company, National Dance Company, and the Pan-African Orchestra. He also served as Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana.
Dr. Abdallah’s creative style uniquely fused traditional African performance with European theatrical forms, often exploring postcolonial themes. Among his most acclaimed works are:
The Trial of Mallam Ilya (1982–1983)
Verdict of the Cobra (1984–present)
The Slaves (1984–1985)
The Fall of Kumbi
His published collections include:
The Trial of Mallam Ilya and Other Plays (1987)
Land of A Million Magicians (1993)
Beyond the stage, Dr. Abdallah also served in government as Secretary for Education and Culture under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) during the 1980s and 1990s. During his tenure, he spearheaded the National Education Reform Programme, which significantly expanded access to education and improved its quality.
Dr. Mohammed ben Abdallah leaves behind a lasting legacy as one of Ghana’s greatest cultural architects, whose life’s work bridged art, education, and national development.
