Ghana’s creative arts community is mourning the loss of one of its most respected figures, William Addo, popularly known as Akpatse, who passed away peacefully on 22nd November 2025 after years of battling health complications.
Mr. Addo’s distinguished career spanned several decades, earning him national recognition as an actor, lecturer, director and cultural advocate. He rose to prominence through his memorable performances on GTV’s Thursday Theatre, where his comic brilliance and unmistakable acting style made him a household name.
A highly trained professional, Mr. Addo studied Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana before pursuing a master’s degree in Acting and Directing at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom.
Throughout his career, he held notable leadership roles, including Director at the National Theatre and Director of Programs at the National Commission on Culture. He also served as a lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department, where he mentored many of today’s celebrated actors and creatives.
In his later years, Mr. Addo battled severe health challenges, including visual impairment resulting from glaucoma and cataracts. Despite these setbacks, he remained admired for his resilience and his unwavering contribution to Ghanaian theatre and film.
His passing marks the end of an era, but his impact on the arts continues to live on through the many performers he inspired and the enduring body of work he leaves behind.
