The Sarkin Zango Palace in Kumasi has announced the passing of Dr. Ben Abdallah, former Education Secretary under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) and later Minister of Education.
He died on Thursday, September 18, 2025, at his private residence in Accra after a protracted illness.
Life and career of Dr. Mohammed ben Abdallah
Dr. Abdallah was born on 25th April 1944 in Kumasi. He obtained a Teacher’s Certificate ‘A’ from Wesley College, Kumasi, before pursuing Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana, Legon, where he earned a diploma.
He later studied in the United States, obtaining 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.
Widely regarded as one of Ghana’s foremost playwrights, he played a pivotal role in the creation of the National Theatre of Ghana. He supervised its construction, established its organisational framework and ensured it had resident companies, including 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. His theatrical style blended traditional African performance with European elements, often reflecting postcolonial themes.
In politics, he served under the Provisional National Defence Council (PNDC) as Secretary for Education and Culture in the 1980s and 1990s.
Dr Abdallah’s plays and writings include The Slaves, The Fall of Kumbi, Verdict of the Cobra and The Trial of Mallam Ilya, among a blizzard of others.
Dr. Abdallah, who also served as Minister of Arts and Culture, held office as Education Secretary from 1985 before being appointed Minister of Education from 1987 to 1991.
He is credited with the establishment of the Islamic Education Unit (IEU), which integrated Islamic basic schools and later Islamic junior high schools into the Ministry of Education system nationwide.
According to the Sarkin Zango Palace, his burial is scheduled for Friday, September 19, 2025, in Kumasi, following Muslim funeral prayers.
Born in Kumasi’s Old Zongo near Roman Hill, Dr. Abdallah was the grandson of the eminent Sheriff Ali, a respected Muslim cleric and merchant.
The Sarkin Zango Palace described him as a dedicated public servant who left a lasting legacy in Ghana’s educational sector.
“May Allah grant him a befitting place in heaven, Ameen,” the statement concluded.
