Bernice Offei, the celebrated Ghanaian gospel musician and professional banker whose soulful voice and spiritual songwriting shaped a generation of worship music, has died. She was 63.
Offei died on Saturday, September 12, 2026, according to family sources.
A professional banker who balanced a corporate career with a thriving music ministry, Offei released six studio albums over a career spanning several decades.
Her sixth album, Life (2007), brought her widespread acclaim, winning her both Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year at the 2009 Ghana Music Awards.
Her best-known recordings include Hold On, Life Is Short, and Kaa She Gbeyei. Other songs associated with her include Odo A Wodo Mi Nti, Nyame Kokroko, N’adom Ara Kwa, and Don Bi Rebo.
She was married to Prof. Samuel Kwame Offei, former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana. The couple had two children.
Her death comes just two weeks after her family made a brief public appeal when she went missing in Accra. She was found safe within 24 hours.
Tributes have begun pouring in from across Ghana’s gospel music community, with many describing her as a pioneer whose music transcended generations.
Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.
