Veteran actor William Addo, known as Akpatse dies after long health battle

William Addo, popularly known by his stage name Akpatse, has passed away at the age of 72 after a long period of ill health. His death was confirmed on November 22, 2025, and comes after years of battling serious medical challenges. His family announced that he died peacefully, sparking an outpouring of grief across Ghana’s creative arts community.

Addo was a beloved figure in Ghanaian theatre, television and film. Over his decades of work, he gained recognition for his unforgettable performances on GTV’s Thursday Theatre as well as in numerous stage productions. His blend of humour, wisdom and cultural insight made him a staple in Ghana’s entertainment history.

Born in the early 1950s, Addo trained in Drama and Theatre Studies at the University of Ghana before traveling to the United Kingdom, where he earned a master’s degree in Acting and Directing from the University of Leeds. After his education he returned to Ghana and made significant contributions not just as a performer but also as a director, lecturer and cultural advocate.

He held key roles at major national institutions, including serving as Director at the National Theatre and leading programmes at the National Commission on Culture. He also taught at the University of Ghana’s Theatre Arts Department, mentoring many of the country’s most celebrated actors.

In later years, Addo’s health deteriorated significantly. He suffered from glaucoma and cataract, conditions that eventually led to total blindness. Despite his visual impairment, he remained a respected elder in the theatre and film circles and continued to influence younger generations with his wisdom and experience.

His personal struggles became public in earlier interviews. He revealed that he lived without electricity for extended periods due to financial hardship and a debt to the national power utility. He also spoke openly about his medication expenses and his appeals for support, highlighting how his health crisis was as much financial as physical.

Colleagues, students, fans and cultural institutions have expressed deep sadness at the news of his death. Tributes have poured in from across the country, with many remembering him not only as a gifted artist but also as a generous mentor and a voice for Ghanaian cultural heritage.

His legacy is vast: he helped shape Ghana’s performing arts landscape, influenced public theatre, trained actors, and elevated the role of local storytelling. His work at the National Theatre, in academic spaces, and on television will be remembered as central to the growth of Ghana’s creative industries.

William Addo is survived by family, many former students, and a nation of creative artists who will carry forward his legacy. His death is a reminder of the fragility of life and the enduring impact of commitment to art. Ghana mourns the loss of its veteran actor, but his influence will continue to guide future generations in the worlds of theatre, film and performance.