Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey, popularly known as Maame Gyata, was laid to rest on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at the forecourt of the State House in Accra. Her remains arrived at the forecourt escorted by the Ghana Armed Forces, and mourners took turns filing past her body, beginning with her family, in a farewell marked by tears. Nortey died on August 26 at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, aged 89.
Nortey's family, colleagues, and fans gathered to bid her farewell, including actor and Ayawaso West Wuogon MP John Dumelo, media personality Berla Mundi and her husband David Tabi. Fellow actors, including veterans Grace Omaboe, Edinam Atatsi, Dinah Gbartey, and Kofi Adjorlolo, also attended the ceremony. Nortey was born on February 1, 1937, and came from the Sawyerr family of Accra and Sierra Leone.
Nortey's children recalled their mother's emphasis on discipline and hard work, saying she made them learn to cook, clean, and iron, and served with their father at the Anglican Church in Osu and later at the Anglican Church of the Transfiguration in Haatso. Her children, including Vida Enchill, Andriana Nortey, Barbara Tabi, Sheila Nortey, and Rita Nortey, remembered her as a devoted mother who built a home "filled with love" with her husband, Archibald Nortey.
Nortey had a long and distinguished career in theatre, television, and film, spanning over five decades. She worked with the Ghana Education Service before pursuing radio and acting, and hosted Nyeawokoshie, a radio programme aimed at Ga women, in the 1970s. Her screen credits include Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Nana Akoto, Escape to Love, Ties That Bind, and Sinking Sands.
In 2015, Nortey appeared in the internationally acclaimed Beasts of No Nation, playing the Old Witch Woman. She was known for her strong, outspoken female characters, and her contributions to Ghanaian entertainment have been widely praised. The Ghana Actors Guild said her work laid the ground on which most Ghanaian actors continue to build.
The Ghana Actors Guild also noted Nortey's concerns about the welfare of ageing actors, and said: "If we truly honour our pioneers, we must protect, appreciate their contributions and listen to the wisdom while they are still alive." The funeral rites continued on Sunday, November 1, with a thanksgiving service at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu at 8:00 am.
Nortey's legacy continues to inspire new generations of Ghanaian actors and entertainers. Her children and colleagues have paid tribute to her life and work, highlighting her dedication to her craft and her impact on Ghanaian entertainment. Key tributes have been paid by the Ghana Actors Guild and other stakeholders in the entertainment industry.
Key points
- Veteran actress Grace Nortey laid to rest in Accra
- Nortey's contributions to Ghanaian entertainment praised by colleagues and fans
- Funeral rites continue with a thanksgiving service at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu
