Ghanaian Playwright Dr. Mohammed Ben-Abdallah dies at 81

Celebrated Ghanaian playwright and theatre scholar, Dr. Mohammed Ben-Abdallah, has passed away at the age of 81.

His death occurred on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and was publicly announced the following day in a heartfelt Facebook post by his son, Abdul Muiz Abass.

“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 statement read.

Dr. Abdallah will be laid to rest on Friday in Kumasi after Jumu’ah prayers, in line with Islamic rites. A three-day Dua has also been scheduled, with further funeral arrangements expected in Accra.

Born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi, Dr. Abdallah began his professional journey as a teacher before pursuing theatre studies at the University of Ghana, Legon. He later earned 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.

A pioneering figure in Ghana’s cultural development, he was instrumental in establishing the National Theatre of Ghana and its resident companies: 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, where his influence shaped generations of theatre practitioners and academics.