Ghana is mourning the loss of screen icon Grace Nortey, who passed away at the age of 89.
The veteran actress died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), closing the curtain on a career that spanned more than five decades.
Nortey was one of the most enduring and recognisable figures in Ghanaian theatre, television, and film. Known for her commanding presence and fierce portrayals of outspoken, determined women, she captivated audiences across generations.
Her filmography includes a host of celebrated productions such as Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Nana Akoto, Escape to Love, Ties That Bind, and Sinking Sands.
She also gained international attention for her role as the Old Witch Woman in the 2015 Netflix feature Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and shot in Ghana.
The film, which starred Idris Elba and Abraham Attah, earned critical acclaim and put a global spotlight on Ghanaian talent.
Nortey’s influence, however, extended far beyond the screen. She came of age during a period when theatre and television drama were among the country’s most powerful cultural mediums.
In the 1970s, she hosted Nyeawokoshie, a radio programme tailored for Ga women, further cementing her role as a voice for everyday Ghanaians.
On television, her performances in household staples like Osofo Dadzie helped define the storytelling style of early Ghanaian drama, weaving folklore, social commentary, and human emotion into unforgettable narratives.
Her later body of work included Lost Hope, Dza Gbele, Matters of the Heart, Sekina, Expectations, and Jewels, demonstrating a remarkable ability to remain relevant as the industry evolved around her.
What set Nortey apart was not just her talent, but her longevity. She bridged generations of performers and remained a constant presence through decades of change in Ghana’s creative landscape.
Her performances, marked by emotional gravitas and unflinching authority, helped shape the character-driven style that became a hallmark of Ghanaian television drama.
In recognition of her immense contribution, she received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival, among other honours.
She leaves behind five daughters, including actress Sheila Nortey, and a legacy that will endure in the hearts of all who grew up watching her command the screen.
