Dr Abdallah’s legacy remains a national inspiration — JJ Rawlings Foundation

The J.J. Rawlings Foundation has expressed its sadness at the passing away of a former Secretary of Education,  Dr Mohammed Ben Abdallah.

It has also paid a glowing tribute to the man credited for transforming Ghana's education system from the common entrance, ordinary and Advanced Levels to the present system, as well as his role in setting up the National Theatre. 

He played a key role in the Provisional National Defence Council PNDC) under Jerry John Rawlings, serving first as a Secretary for Education and later as the Secretary for Culture.

Passing away

Dr Abdallah passed away last Thursday and was buried last Friday in accordance with Islamic funeral rites in Kumasi.

His daughter, also known in the arts industry, Hajia Akosua Abdallah, confirmed the death on her Facebook page.

"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 Jumuah prayers in accordance with Islamic rites in Kumasi.

The three-day Dau 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." Hajia Abdallah posted. 

Legacy

While expressing its deepest condolences to the family, the foundation also paid tribute to his legacy, which it said continues to inspire future generations.

The statement, signed by the Head of Communication of the foundation, Kobina Andoh Amoakwa, described Dr Abdallah as a stalwart statesman and a visionary leader who left an indelible mark on Ghana's educational landscape.

"We remember Dr Abdallah for his tireless efforts in shaping Ghana's educational system in the late 1980s, particularly his instrumental role in introducing the Junior Secondary School and Senior Secondary School concept, and the implementation of the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

His commitment to educational reform has had a lasting impact on the lives of countless Ghanaians.

"Beyond his achievements in education, Dr Abdallah was revered for his humility, honesty, and dedication to public service.

His integrity and work ethic earned him the respect and admiration of his peers and the Ghanaian people.

"May his memory be a blessing to us all and may God comfort his family and loved ones during this difficult time," the statement concluded. 

Profile

Dr Abdallah was born on April 25, 1944, in Kumasi.

Beyond his impact in the educational sector, he is widely regarded as one of Ghana's pivots in the arts and culture industry.

He set up the National Commission of Culture and, through that, played an instrumental role in the creation of the National Theatre of Ghana.

He indeed 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 the head of the School of Performing Arts at the University of Ghana.

As an author, he wrote both fiction and plays, The Slaves, Land of a Million Magicians: An Abibigoro, Ananse and the Golden Drum, "Verdict of the Cobra, The Fall of Kumbi, The Rail of Mallam Llya, Ananse and the Golden Drum: A play for children, among his works.

After stepping away from public life, Dr Abdallah also served as a World Bank Consultant to the Gambian government, providing capacity-building programmes for the country's National Council for Arts and Culture.  

Education

After graduating from Wesley College with a Teacher's Certificate A, he proceeded to the University of Ghana, where he pursued Drama and Theatre Studies.

He later went to the University of Georgia in 1976, where he obtained an MFA in Theatre Arts and then a PhD in Theatre Arts from the University of Texas, Austin in 1980.