By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA 
Accra, Nov. 7, GNA – Some veterans in Ghana’s movie industry have paid glowing tributes to the late Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, celebrating her enduring legacy.
They said the pivotal role she played in introducing and nurturing many actors including them who have become household names was enviable.
The veterans described the late legendary actress as a mother figure and mentor whose guidance, encouragement and dedication to developing young talents helped shape the careers of many personalities in Ghana’s creative arts industry.
Madam Abi Adatsi, a veteran actress and a former Ghana High Commissioner to Canada, said she shared several acting scenes with Mrs Nortey, particularly during the Get Involved television series in 1982, where the late actress usually played motherly roles.
“Before she came, I used to play the motherly roles, but when she joined us, she always took up those roles, unless there were two mothers,” she recalled.
Madam Adatsi described her as a legend whose contribution to Ghana’s creative arts industry would remain memorable, adding that Ghanaians must appreciate their creative arts pioneers while they were alive, expressing happiness that Mrs Nortey received recognition and awards, including support from the government. 
Mr Kofi Adjorlolo, a seasoned actor, described the late Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, as a gem whose memorable performances and interesting characters impacted film lovers and society.
He said the late actress excelled in playing diverse roles, including those of a mother, grandmother and mother-in-law, recalling that they became close friends long before he joined the movie industry.
The actor said Mrs Nortey introduced him to acting after watching his performance in a television series and taking him to a producer, who offered him a lead role. 
“Auntie Grace actually introduced me to acting,” he said, adding that she later expressed surprise at how well he played his role in the film Friday at 4:30.
Mr Kalsoume Sinare Baffoe, an actress, model and Filmmaker and currently Ghana’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Spain, said Mrs Nortey embraced and mentored her during the production of the movie Lost Hope, in which she played the late actress’s daughter.
“The late Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey was a mother figure who offered guidance, encouragement and support to younger actors in the creative arts industry. She helped me with my lines. Anytime we were going on set, she would ask me to come to her hotel room, where she rehearsed with me,” she recalled.
She said Mrs Nortey also counselled her on discipline and responsible conduct, urging young actors to be good role models, adding: “She was a great woman and such a good example. She is a mother we have really missed.”
Miss Selassie Ibrahim, also a seasoned actress described the legendary actress as a mother figure who cared for and supported many people in Ghana’s creative arts industry.
She recalled that Mrs Nortey regularly reached out to check on her and offered advice, including encouraging young people not to rush through life but to trust that things would happen at the right time.
“She was a phenomenal actress. Any role you gave her, she would excel in it,” Miss Ibrahim said, recalling their time together on the television series ‘Miser,’ where the late actress played her mother.
She said Mrs Nortey as a unifier who looked out for others, saying her passing had created a vacuum in the industry. “I pray that her humility, her craft and her understanding of dealing with people will speak to us,” she said.
GNA
Edited by Kenneth OdengAdade
Patrick Ofoe Nudzi