The Ghanaian entertainment industry is mourning the loss of one of its most prominent trailblazers.

Grace Nortey, widely considered a pioneer of Ghanaian theater and drama, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre. Born on February 1, 1937, she had celebrated her 89th birthday earlier this year, an event that prompted renewed admiration and tributes from fans and colleagues alike
​Nortey's illustrious career began long before the era of modern film.

In the 1970s, she hosted “Nyeawokoshie," a popular radio program for Ga women on Radio One. Transitioning to the screen, she became a defining figure during the golden age of Ghanaian television in the 1980s and 1990s. She made her major cinematic debut in the 1986 comedy film “Juju,” directed by King Ampaw.

​Throughout her career, Nortey built a reputation for portraying formidable, strong-willed female characters. She frequently took on the roles of outspoken mothers who fearlessly challenged patriarchy, class discrimination, and social injustice.

Her powerful on-screen presence led to memorable performances alongside other legends such as MacJordan Amartey, George Williams, and Kofi Adjorlolo.
​Some of her most notable film credits include:
​Nana Akoto (1985)
​The Other Side of the Rich (1992)
​Matters of the Heart
​Ties That Bind (2011)
​Sinking Sands (2011)
​Beasts of No Nation (2015)
​Amakye and Dede (2016)
​In her later years, failing health and poor eyesight restricted her mobility and ability to read long scripts, forcing her to step away from physically demanding roles.

However, her contributions to the arts were widely recognized.

She received numerous accolades, including the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival (BSIFF) in 2018 and the Legendary Award for Outstanding Contributions at the Ghana Actors Entertainment Awards in 2020.

​Grace Nortey is survived by her five children, which includes her daughter Sheila Nortey, who followed in her footsteps as an actress.