By Hafsa Obeng
Accra, Nov. 19, GNA – The National Commission on Culture (NCC) has organised a flash-mob performance to celebrate the life and legacy of the late Dr Mohammed Ben Abdallah, one of Ghana’s most influential playwrights, cultural scholars and nation-builders.
The two-hour event, held in front of Papaye, Osu, drew a large crowd of onlookers, many of whom paused to watch, ask questions, and engage with the memory of the late dramatist.
Performances were delivered by Doris Gyamo and Aaron Bebe’s music group, Shishifai Cultural Troupe, Salamta Cultural Group, and the Osu Presby Drama Club, who gave a particularly stirring presentation, acting excerpts from Abdallah’s celebrated play, The Slaves, to the admiration of the crowd.
The programme featured a well-coordinated voice-over and video projection, which heightened the emotional impact of the tribute.
Mr Adu Asante, Deputy Director of Administration, National NCC, described Dr Ben Abdallah as a “towering figure in Ghana’s cultural and intellectual history.”
He said the playwright’s death in September 2025 marked the end of an era, but his influence continued to shape national identity.
“Dr Abdallah was more than a playwright; he was a cultural visionary, scholar, and nation-builder. His works were instruments of transformation, challenging society and inspiring generations.”
He noted that as the first Chairman of the NCC, Dr Abdallah laid the foundation for institutionalising Ghana’s cultural heritage, ensuring that creative expression remained central to development.
Mr Asante urged Ghanaians to honour his memory by upholding cultural identity, nurturing creativity, and recognising the arts as a pillar of national progress.
Dr Essilfi, adding depth to the tributary performances, delivered a dramatic presentation titled “Eulogy of a Mallam”, using talking drums and poetic narration to mourn “the big Odum tree” that had fallen and to celebrate Abdallah’s immense contributions through the National Theatre, Abibigromma, and the Abibigro tradition.
The performance invoked titles of Abdallah’s iconic plays—including Land of a Million Magicians, Verdict of the Cobra, Trial of Mallam Iliya, Witch of Mopti, Alien King, The Slaves, and Song of the Pharaoh, as symbols of his artistic greatness.
The event was aimed at engaging the public, sparking conversation, and drawing both admirers and curious passers-by into a shared moment of reflection on the life of a man whose work shaped Ghana’s theatrical landscape.
GNA
Christian Akorlie