Bawumia, Afenyo-Markin and others mourn veteran actress Grace Nortey

• Veteran actress Grace Nortey has been mourned by prominent Ghanaians, including Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin and NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, following her reported death at 89.

• Afenyo-Markin described Nortey as a “remarkable thespian” and said her motherly roles made her feel like “a mother to us all”, while praising her contribution to Ghana's creative arts.

• Nortey, known as “Maame Gyata”, enjoyed a career spanning more than five decades and featured in productions including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Sinking Sands and Beasts of No Nation.

Politicians, actors, musicians, media personalities and admirers of Ghanaian theatre and film have taken to social media to honour the celebrated actress, whose career spanned more than five decades.

Among those mourning her is NPP flagbearer Dr Mahamudu Bawumia, as well as Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin, who reflected on Nortey's influence on generations of Ghanaians.

Afenyo-Markin described Nortey as an exceptional actress whose performances entertained, educated and connected with audiences across the country.

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He wrote;

He noted the important role artists play in society, adding that Nortey's contribution went beyond entertainment.

He said;

READ MORE: Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey has reportedly passed away at 89

Recalling his childhood, the Minority Leader said Nortey frequently portrayed maternal characters that made her feel like a mother to many viewers.

He stated;

He also used the occasion to call for greater appreciation of Ghana's creative icons while they are still alive.

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He added;

Filmmaker Kofi Kyei also mourned Nortey, revealing that he had been informed that a film they worked on together was the final production she featured in.

He recalled the measures taken to accommodate her condition during filming while ensuring that her performance remained seamless on screen.

Kyei wrote;

He added;

Rapper Kojo Cue also acknowledged Nortey's contribution to Ghanaian entertainment, writing:

Actress Ama K. Aberese similarly described the veteran as an inspiration to her and countless others.

She wrote;

Grace Nortey reportedly died in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC).

Born on February 1, 1937, Nortey became one of the most recognisable faces in Ghana's theatre, television and film industries.

She was particularly celebrated for portraying outspoken, commanding and strong-willed women. Her performances earned her the affectionate nickname “Maame Gyata”, meaning “Lion Woman” or “Lion Lady”.

Throughout her career, she appeared in several influential Ghanaian productions, including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre.

Her major screen debut came in the 1986 comedy film Juju, produced by King Ampaw and Peter Wohlgemuth-Reinery, in which she played the wife of veteran actor Joe Eyison.

Her passing marks the loss of one of the pioneers whose performances helped shape Ghana's theatre, television and film landscape.