Renowned Playwright Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah Dies at 81
Distinguished Ghanaian playwright, theatre scholar, and cultural visionary, Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah, has passed away at the age of 81.
His death occurred on Thursday, September 18, 2025, and was confirmed by his daughter, Dr. Akosua Abdallah—veteran actress and lecturer at the University of Ghana—via a Facebook post on Friday, September 19.
In line with Islamic tradition, Dr. Abdallah was laid to rest in Kumasi on Friday following Jumu’ah prayers. A three-day Dua will also be held in Kumasi, with further arrangements in Accra to be announced later.
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 pursued Drama and Theatre at the University of Ghana, before advancing to the United States, where he obtained 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.
Dr. Abdallah is widely regarded as a pioneer of modern Ghanaian theatre. He played a central role in the establishment of the National Theatre of Ghana, supervising its construction, designing its operational framework, and creating 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.
His acclaimed plays, including The Trial of Mallam Ilya (1982–1983), Verdict of the Cobra (1984–present), The Slaves (1984–1985), and The Fall of Kumbi, are celebrated for blending traditional African performance with European theatrical forms and exploring complex postcolonial themes. His published works include The Trial of Mallam Ilya and Other Plays (1987) and Land of a Million Magicians (1993).
Beyond the stage, Dr. Abdallah also contributed to public service. He served as Secretary for Education and Culture under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) during the 1980s and 1990s, where he spearheaded the National Education Reform Programme—expanding access and enhancing the quality of education in Ghana.
Dr. Mohammed Ben Abdallah leaves behind an enduring legacy as one of Ghana’s foremost cultural architects, whose life’s work bridged art, education, and national development.
