Renowned Ghanaian playwright and theatre scholar, Dr. Mohammed ben Abdallah, has passed away at the age of 81.
The news of his death was made public by his daughter, Akosua Abdallah, through a heartfelt Facebook post on Friday, September 19, 2025. According to her, Dr. Abdallah died the previous day, Thursday, September 18.
Sharing the sad news, she 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.”
Akosua accompanied her message with a touching video capturing joyful moments with her late father.
The family also disclosed that Dr. Abdallah would be laid to rest on Friday, September 19, 2025, after the Jumu’ah prayers in Kumasi, in line with Islamic customs. A three-day Dua will be held in his honour in the same city.
She further added:
“Please remember him in your prayers. May Allah forgive his shortcomings, illuminate his grave, and grant him the highest rank in Jannah. Ameen.”
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Dr. Abdallah is celebrated as one of Ghana’s greatest playwrights and cultural figures. He was instrumental in the establishment of the National Theatre of Ghana, overseeing its construction, setting up its organisational framework, and ensuring it was home to resident companies such as the National Drama Company, the National Dance Company, and the National Symphony Orchestra.
Beyond the stage, he served as Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, where his work left an indelible mark on generations of students. His productions often merged traditional African performance techniques with European influences, tackling themes that reflected Ghana’s postcolonial realities.
In politics, Dr. Abdallah also held national office, serving as Secretary for Education and Culture under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) during the 1980s and 1990s.
His notable works include The Slaves, The Fall of Kumbi, Verdict of the Cobra, and The Trial of Mallam Ilya, along with many others that cemented his reputation as a literary and theatrical pioneer.
Source: ameyawdebrah.com/
