Veteran Ghanaian actor William Addo, popularly known as Akpatse, has passed away at age 72.
He died peacefully on November 22, 2025, after years of battling serious health challenges.
William Addo was widely regarded as one of the actors who helped shape modern Ghanaian theatre and film.
He attended the University of Ghana, where he earned a degree in Drama and Theatre Studies.
He later received a scholarship to study at the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, obtaining a Master’s degree in Theatre Studies with a focus on acting and directing.
Following his studies, he returned to the University of Ghana as a lecturer and became head of the Theatre Arts Department at the School of Performing Arts.
Throughout his career, Akpatse featured in numerous productions, and is known for roles in Death After Birth, Children of the Mountain, Rejected 1 & 2, among many others.
He is known as a household name in the Ghanaian movie industry.
In recent years, he faced significant health challenges, including a blood-clotting ailment that eventually led to the loss of his sight.
He was diagnosed with glaucoma and cataracts and underwent several surgeries beginning in 2016.
Doctors also informed him that his condition was incurable, and his eyesight deteriorated until he became completely blind in 2019.
The actor’s medical condition and inability to work resulted in severe financial difficulties over the years, leading him to publicly appeal for support to cover living and medical expenses.
William Addo is remembered as an actor, producer, lecturer, and mentor who impacted many people and contributed to the growth of Ghana’s arts and entertainment industry.
