Veteran Ghanaian actor William Addo, widely known by the screen name “Akpatse”, has died aged 72.
His family confirmed his passing in a statement on Facebook on 24 November, noting that he “passed away peacefully” on 22 November after a prolonged period of ill health.
Addo was a familiar face to generations of television audiences. His comic flair and commanding presence made him one of the standout performers on Ghana Television’s Thursday Theatre, where he became a household name.
Over several decades, he built a reputation as one of the country’s most versatile performers, celebrated not only for his humour but also for his depth as an actor.
Alongside his screen and stage career, Addo was a highly trained theatre professional. He studied drama at the University of Ghana before earning a master’s degree in acting and directing from the University of Leeds in the UK.
His expertise later saw him serve in key cultural roles, including as a director at the National Theatre, director of programmes at the National Commission on Culture, and lecturer in the Theatre Arts Department.
In his later years, Addo’s health deteriorated significantly. He reportedly lost his sight following unsuccessful eye surgeries and faced financial challenges, at one point having his electricity disconnected over an unpaid bill.
Akpatse has been a respected figure in the arts community, admired for his resilience and his lasting contribution to Ghanaian theatre and film.
