Renowned 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 announced the following day by his son, Abdul Muiz Abass, in a heartfelt Facebook post.
“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 accordance with Islamic rites. A three-day Dua has been scheduled, with additional funeral arrangements planned in Accra.
Born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi, Dr. Abdallah began his career as a teacher before pursuing theatre studies at the University of Ghana, Legon. He went on to earn an MFA in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia in 1976, and later a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980.
A pioneer in Ghana’s cultural development, he played a central role in the establishment of 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, leaving a lasting legacy in both academia and the arts.