Ghana’s entertainment industry has been thrown into mourning following the death of veteran actress Grace Nortey, popularly known as “Maame Gyata,” at the age of 89.

The celebrated actress reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC), bringing an end to a career that spanned more than five decades.

Born on February 1, 1937, Grace Nortey became one of the most recognisable faces in Ghanaian theatre, television and film.

Her commanding performances, particularly her portrayal of strong-willed and outspoken women, made her a household name among generations of Ghanaian viewers.

A career spanning more than five decades

Nortey began her career in the performing arts during the formative years of Ghanaian theatre and television.

She became associated with several popular productions that defined an era of Ghanaian entertainment, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Taxi Driver, Thursday Theatre and Key Soap Concert Party.

Her performances often depicted authoritative mothers and matriarchs who were not afraid to challenge social expectations.

That commanding style earned her the popular nickname “Maame Gyata”, meaning “Lion Woman” or “Lion Lady.”

Beyond acting, Nortey also contributed to radio broadcasting. In the 1970s, she hosted Nyeawokoshie, a radio programme aimed at Ga women on Ghana Broadcasting Corporation’s Radio One.

From ‘Juju’ to international productions

Nortey’s major film appearance came in the 1986 comic production Juju, produced by King Ampaw and Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery.

She subsequently featured in a number of Ghanaian productions, including Nana Akoto, The Other Side of the Rich, Escape to Love, Matters of the Heart, Expectations, The Ties That Bind and Sinking Sands.

Her career eventually extended to international cinema.

In 2015, she appeared in the Netflix film Beasts of No Nation, directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga and starring Idris Elba and Abraham Attah.

The role introduced her work to an international audience and further cemented her place among Ghana’s notable screen veterans.

Honoured for her contribution

Nortey received several awards and recognitions during her career.

She won Best Cameo Actress at the Ghana Movie Awards in 2011 for her role in Adams Apple.

She later received an Excellence in Arts Award at the Glitz Women of the Year Honours in 2016 and a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival in 2018.

In 2020, she received a Legendary Award for Outstanding Contributions at the Ghana Actors Entertainment Awards.

She was also honoured in 2021 at the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch for her contribution to women’s excellence in the performing arts.

As recently as April 2025, Nortey was honoured during the Ashanti Festival for her contribution to Ghana’s entertainment industry.

A family legacy

Grace Nortey was married to the late Daniel Nortey, and the couple had five children, including actress Sheila Nortey, who followed her mother into the entertainment industry.

Her influence therefore extended beyond her own career, with her family’s continued involvement in acting helping to preserve her connection to Ghana’s creative industry.

Later years

In her later years, Nortey took on fewer demanding acting roles as she experienced mobility and eyesight challenges.

She had previously explained that reading lengthy scripts had become difficult, although she remained open to smaller roles that allowed her to work from scenarios and improvise.

Despite her reduced appearances, she remained a respected figure among actors and fans who had followed her work for decades.

Tributes pour in

News of Nortey’s death has triggered tributes from across Ghana’s political and entertainment communities.

NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described her as a trailblazer and cultural icon whose career brought joy to homes and inspired young people in the creative industry.

Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin also mourned the actress, recalling how her frequent portrayal of motherly characters made her feel like a mother to many Ghanaians.

Actress Ama K. Abebrese was among other members of the creative community to pay tribute to the late actress, describing her as an inspiration to many.

Cause of death not disclosed

While reports have confirmed that Grace Nortey died at UGMC, the cause of her death has not been publicly disclosed.

Her death comes just months after she celebrated her 89th birthday on February 1.

Grace Nortey leaves behind a legacy spanning theatre, radio, television and film — and a body of work that helped shape Ghana’s entertainment industry across several generations.

Ghana has lost one of its most recognisable veteran performers.