Dr Mohammed ben Abdallah was a Ghanaian playwright
Veteran Ghanaian playwright, and theatre scholar Dr Mohammed ben Abdallah has passed away at the age of 81.
His daughter, veteran actress Akosua Abdallah, announced the news in a Facebook post on September 19, 2025, disclosing that her father had passed away on September 1, 2025.
The veteran actress in her post on Facebook described her father as a man of wisdom, humility, and faith who dedicated his life to his family, his people, and his country.
Veteran actors were not paid enough to probably invest – Akosua Abdallah
“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,” she wrote.
The theatre scene in Ghana has gotten more vibrant – Akosua Abdallah
Dr Mohammed ben Abdallah was born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi.
The veteran playwright’s academic journey started at Wesley College, Kumasi, where he earned a Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’.
He later went to study Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, before traveling to the United States.
In the United States, he earned a Master of Fine Arts in Theatre Arts from the University of Georgia in 1976, followed by a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas at Austin in 1980.
Dr Abdallah played a role in the establishment of the National Theatre of Ghana, overseeing its construction and creating its organisational structure.
His leadership extended into academia, where he served as Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana.
As a playwright, Dr Abdallah left behind a body of work that explored the history, identity, and cultural memory of Ghana.
Some of his plays include The Trial of Mallam Ilya (1982–1983), Verdict of the Cobra (1984–present), The Slaves (1984–1985), and The Fall of Kumbi.
Meanwhile watch GhanaWeb’s exclusive interview with Ajagurajah
AK/EB
