Ghana's entertainment industry is mourning the death of veteran actress Grace Nortey, who passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the age of 89.
Reports indicate that Nortey died in the early hours of Wednesday at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC). She was born on February 1, 1937, and had built a career spanning more than five decades.
Nortey was one of the familiar faces of Ghana's golden era of theatre and television. She became particularly known for portraying strong-willed, outspoken, and authoritative female characters, earning her the nickname “Maame Gyata.”
Her career extended across radio, theatre, television and film. In the 1970s, she hosted Nyeawokoshie, a radio programme aimed at Ga women, before becoming increasingly prominent in Ghanaian television drama.
She featured in several popular productions, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Nana Akoto, Escape to Love, Ties That Bind and Sinking Sands.
Her work also reached international audiences. Nortey appeared in the 2015 Netflix film Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Idris Elba and Abraham Attah. She played the role of the Old Witch Woman in the acclaimed production.
Beyond acting, Nortey was recognised for her contribution to Ghana's creative industry. She received several honours during her career, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival.
She also advocated for better support for veteran actors, speaking about some of the difficulties faced by older performers after their active careers in the entertainment industry.
Nortey's contribution to Ghanaian entertainment was significant because she worked across several generations of performers. Her career helped connect the country's early television drama tradition with its modern film industry.
She is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed her mother into the acting profession.
Tributes are expected to continue pouring in from colleagues, fans and members of Ghana's creative industry as the country remembers one of its veteran performers.
Grace Nortey's death marks the loss of one of Ghana's most recognisable veteran actresses. With a career spanning more than five decades, her contributions to radio, theatre, television and film have left a lasting mark on Ghana's entertainment industry.