Dr. Mohammed Ben-Abdallah, celebrated Ghanaian playwright, theatre scholar, and cultural visionary, has passed away at the age of 81.
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 furthered his education abroad, earning a Master of Fine Arts 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 pioneering force in Ghana’s cultural landscape, Dr. Abdallah was central to the establishment of the National Commission on Culture, serving as its first Chairman. He also played a pivotal role in the founding of the National Theatre of Ghana and its resident companies—the National Drama Company, the National Dance Company, and the National Symphony Orchestra.
As Head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana, Dr. Abdallah dedicated his life to mentoring and nurturing generations of theatre practitioners and academics. His influence extended across both scholarship and practice, leaving an enduring legacy in the development of Ghanaian theatre and the performing arts.
Dr. Mohammed Ben-Abdallah will be remembered not only for his groundbreaking contributions to Ghana’s cultural institutions but also for his unwavering commitment to shaping the future of theatre and performance in the country.