By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA
Accra, Nov. 7, GNA – The late Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, a legendary Ghanaian actress, popularly known as Grace Nortey, has been laid to rest following a State burial held in her honour. 
The burial service which was held at the forecourt of the State House, Saturday, October 31, brought together families, love ones who paid glowing tributes in recognition of her enduring legacy and contribution to the nation.
Family members, loved ones, government officials, actors and actresses, traditional authorities, clergy and sympathisers, dressed predominantly in white, celebrated her years of dedicated service to Ghana and the creative arts. 
The late Grace Nortey, whose career spanned theatre, film, television and radio and was affectionately known by many names including Auntie Grace, Ma, Maame Dzata and Mother, passed away on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the age of 89.
Following her early upbringing under the care of Mrs Charlotte Sawyerr, of blessed memory, and other relatives, Grace attended the then Bishop Girls School and later trained at the Kibi Training Institute, now the Abuakwa State College.
She grew up surrounded by love and companionship within her extended family and treasured occasions such as family Christmas parties hosted by Professor George Akilakpa Sawyerr, as well as annual Homowo celebrations with members of her maternal family.
The legendary actress often spoke about how her upbringing helped uncover her acting talent at the age of nine, beginning a lifelong passion for performance and storytelling.
As God would have it, she met Mr Archibald Nii Apa Nortey, with whom she shared more than five decades of marriage until his passing, and together they raised their five daughters – Vida, Andreana, Barbara, Sheila and Rita – on values of respect, love and diligence.
Aside from her acting career, Grace was industrious, selling Pyrex bowls and Avon products, while also working as a civil servant with the Ghana Education Service until her retirement.
Her journey into broadcasting began when Mrs Eseku, of blessed memory, introduced her to radio while she was working at the ministries, leading to an appearance on “Nyeawokoshie,” a Ghana dialogue programme on the Ghana Broadcasting Corporation, and later another programme on Radio Gold.
What began as a hobby opened doors into theatre, film and television, where she worked with producers in Ghana, Nigeria and abroad, including H.M. Saki, Sowah, Miracle Films and Nana King, featuring in productions such as Dede, Baby Thief, Who Killed Nancy, Beasts of No Nation, Shoeshine Boy, Lost Hope and Matters of the Heart.
Her dedication to the industry earned her several awards and honours, including the Ghana at 50 Honorary Award and the Film Directors Guild of Ghana’s Legend of the 20th Century Award in 2017, while her life and work were also celebrated in the book, Legacy of a Legendary Actress.
The late Grace Nortey also received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival (2018) and was recognized by the Ghana Actors Guild and the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture for her foundational contributions to Ghanaian cinema
Away from the screen, Mrs Nortey was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother whose faith and family formed the foundation of her life, as she worshipped at the Anglican Church in Osu and later at the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration in Hatso.
She is survived by her five daughters, nine grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren, leaving behind a legacy of artistic excellence, counsel and strong family values, the smiles and positive impact she brought to audiences and all who knew her.
GNA 
Edited by Kenneth Odeng Adade
Patrick Ofoe Nudzi