By Patrick Ofoe Nudzi, GNA
Accra, Nov. 7. GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, has paid glowing tribute to the late Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, describing her as a legendary actress whose contribution to Ghana’s creative arts would continue to inspire generations.
The President’s tribute, delivered on his behalf by Madam Ama Pratt, Spokesperson of the Vice President, during the burial service, said Ghana had lost a legend, but her legacy would live on through every scene she performed and every young artist she inspired.
He said for more than five decades, the late actress was one of Ghana’s most recognisable and beloved faces, appearing on stage, television and in films and becoming a fixture in the memories of generations of Ghanaians.
President Mahama said Mrs Nortey belonged to the pioneering generation that gave Ghanaian storytelling its voice and dignity, connecting the Ghana of yesterday to that of today through her remarkable career, adding that her performances, made audiences laugh, weep and think and portrayed the country’s families values, struggles and resilience.
The President said the legendary actress’ contributions extended beyond the screen, as she also took to the airwaves in the 1970s, hosting “Nyeawokoshie,” a radio programme for Ghanaian women, touching the lives of countless listeners.
President Mahama said many of today’s actors and actresses had acknowledged her inspiration, mentorship and influence on their approach to the arts, describing her as not only a performer but also a teacher and mother figure.
He extended the condolences of the Government and people of Ghana to her family and the creative arts community, and called for renewed commitment to honouring creative pioneers while they were alive and providing artists with the recognition, support and opportunities they deserved.
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.
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.
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