The late Grace Nortey
Following the passing of veteran actress Grace Nortey, one of the pioneers of Ghana’s theatre, television and film industry, Ghanaians have expressed sorrow over her death, with tributes pouring in.
Politicians including NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, actors, musicians, media personalities and lovers of Ghanaian film have taken to social media to mourn the celebrated actress and pay tribute to her remarkable contribution to the country’s creative arts industry.
Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin said he was saddened by the news of Grace Nortey’s passing, recalling how her performances made him laugh and how she became a motherly figure to many Ghanaians.
He said Grace Nortey played an important role in shaping Ghana’s entertainment industry and left a lasting impact on audiences.
“Grace Nortey was a remarkable thespian, and as a lover and appreciator of the arts, I am deeply saddened by her passing. Artists are among the most important people in our country. They make us laugh, entertain us, educate us and help us understand ourselves. They give so much of themselves to us, and we must never take their impact on our lives for granted.
“When I was young, she often played a motherly figure, and I was naturally drawn to her because of that. In many ways, she became a mother to us all. She made film meaningful and relatable, allowing us to see ourselves in the stories she told. As a young man, I was always glued to the television whenever she appeared.
“I hope we continue to celebrate, honour and care for our heroes and legends while they are still with us. They have contributed so much to our lives, our arts and our country. By preserving their legacies, we make it possible for even more young people to be inspired by them,” he wrote.
Veteran actress Grace Nortey passes away at 89
Filmmaker Kofi Kyei also paid tribute to the late actress, describing it as an honour to have been told that a film he worked on with her was the last production she featured in.
“It was such an honour when I was told that my film was the last film you were going to feature in, in your career. Even though you’d gone blind, we worked out your movements and directions so that the audience wouldn’t detect. You are a legend and I will always love you. RIP”
Rapper Kojo Cue also thanked the late actress for her contribution to the industry and the impact she had on those who watched her work.
“Rest in peace Auntie Grace … Thank you so much for your service,” he wrote.
Actress Ama K Aberese said Grace Nortey was an inspiration to her and many others who admired her work.
“Rest In Peace to legendary Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey. Thank you for inspiring me and so many,” she wrote.
Grace Nortey reportedly passed away in the early hours of August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).
Born on February 1, 1937, the celebrated actress had a career spanning more than five decades, becoming one of the most recognisable faces in Ghanaian entertainment.
She was particularly known for portraying strong-willed, outspoken and commanding female characters, earning her the popular nickname “Maame Gyata,” meaning Lion Woman or Lion Lady.
Nortey was active in some of Ghana’s most popular television and theatre productions, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.
Her major screen debut came in the 1986 comic film Juju, produced by King Ampaw and Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery, where she played the wife of veteran actor Joe Eyison.
Grace Nortey was a remarkable thespian, and as a lover and appreciator of the arts, I am deeply saddened by her passing.
— Osahen Alexander Kwamena Afenyo-Markin (@AfenyoMarkin) August 26, 2026
Artists are among the most important people in our country. They make us laugh, entertain us, educate us and help us understand ourselves. They give so much… pic.twitter.com/LCAnhEUXvA
Rest In Peace to legendary Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey. Thank you for inspiring me and so many. 🕊️🙏🏾 pic.twitter.com/Hh4n2iVKgZ
— Ama K Abebrese (@Ama_K_Abebrese) August 26, 2026
Rest in peace Auntie Grace … Thank you so much for your service 🕊️ 🕊️ 🕊️ https://t.co/0wzaHSuHT9
— KANI (@KOJO_Cue) August 26, 2026
Rip Grace Nortey.
— Bee 🐝 (@Bridget_Otoo) August 26, 2026
Legendary Actor. 🙏🏾
It was such an honour when I was told that my film was the last film you were going to feature in, in your career. Even though you'd gone blind, we worked out your movements and directions so that the audience wouldn't detect. You are a legend and I will always love you. RIP💔🕊 https://t.co/X01koFSJlA pic.twitter.com/64OHqsA6yV
— Hajia ba Kofi (@KofiKyei__) August 26, 2026
I have learnt with deep sadness of the passing of legendary Ghanaian actress, Grace Nortey.
— Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia (@MBawumia) August 26, 2026
Madam Grace Nortey was a true trailblazer and cultural icon whose illustrious career, spanning over five decades, brought joy to homes and inspired many young women in the creative… pic.twitter.com/PqogzWCxvR
Madam Grace Nortey owes us nothing. Her talent and contributions to the Ghanaian film space will forever speak for her. Peaceful rest to the icon, and my deepest condolences to her family and loved ones. 🕊🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻
— The Catherine Antwi Boasiako(CAB) (@CatherineAntwiB) August 27, 2026
Madam Grace Nortey was a true gem in the movie industry. She was very articulate and known for her great acting talent. I am saddened to hear she has passed on. A legend. A true icon. Rest in peace, Madam Grace Nortey. pic.twitter.com/Uh0rMyqVpH
— Miss Lankai (@lanilai) August 26, 2026
I always felt Grace Nortey could have played Miranda Priestley easily. One of my faves, rest easy. 🤍
— Jumanjoe 🇬🇭 (@joseph_nti) August 26, 2026
Grace Nortey was such a gracious woman. She was part of the cast in my student TV production 19 years ago. Such a wonderful woman, and a memory I will always cherish.
Rest in Peace, Ma’am. 🕊️ pic.twitter.com/mEYTeCFvUY
— Afia Drah (@AfiaDrah) August 26, 2026
Grace Nortey ❤️
— Yaw (@theyawofosu) August 26, 2026
Another legendary screen goddess is gone. A loss for mother Earth, a gain for the Heavenly Theatre 🎥 😢.
— Mawuli ATATSI.G.M.C.Y (@MICTATSI) August 26, 2026
Rest well madam Grace Nortey 🕊 🙏 🕊 https://t.co/aSU03YvRR6
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