Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey, one of the pioneering figures of Ghana’s theatre, television and film industry, has died at the age of 89.
Nortey died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), according to reports.
Born on February 1, 1937, Nortey enjoyed a distinguished acting career spanning more than five decades and became one of the most recognisable faces in Ghanaian entertainment.
Popularly known as “Maame Gyata”, or “Lion Woman”, she earned a reputation for portraying strong-willed, outspoken and fearless female characters, often delivering commanding performances that confronted social injustice, patriarchy and other societal issues.
Nortey was particularly prominent from the 1980s through the turn of the millennium, a period regarded as one of the defining eras of Ghanaian theatre and television. She became associated with popular productions such as Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.
Her career also extended to the big screen, with appearances in productions including Nana Akoto, The Other Side of the Rich, Matters of the Heart, Escape to Love, Expectations and Jewels.
She later featured in internationally recognised productions, including Sinking Sands, Ties That Bind and the 2015 war drama Beasts of No Nation.
Her commanding screen presence and ability to portray firm, outspoken and uncompromising characters made her a household name and helped establish her as one of the defining female performers of her generation.
Beyond acting, Nortey worked with the Ghana Education Service and remained an advocate for the welfare of veteran performers, drawing attention to the difficulties ageing actors face after leaving the limelight.
Her contribution to Ghana’s creative arts earned her several honours over the years, including recognition for her contribution to film and the performing arts.
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Nortey is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed in her mother’s footsteps into the acting profession.
Her death marks the end of an era for Ghana’s creative industry and the loss of a pioneering actress whose performances helped shape the country’s theatre, television and film landscape for generations.
