Photo of the late Grace Nortey
Ghana’s film and theatre family came out in their numbers on Saturday, October 31, 2026, to say a final goodbye to legendary actress Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey. Actor and politician John Dumelo, actress Maame Dokono and members of the Ghana Actors Guild were among the hundreds of mourners who filled the forecourt of the State House in Accra for the veteran’s burial service.
The service began at 8am, with family, colleagues and fans dressed in white, as the family had requested. It brought down the curtain on a career that lasted more than five decades across theatre, television, radio and film.
Watch: Scenes From Grace Nortey’s Farewell
UTV Ghana shared moments from the burial service at the State House forecourt. Watch below:
Hundreds Gather at State House to Honour a Legend
The farewell was one of the most emotional gatherings of the year for Ghana’s creative industry. Veterans and younger actors sat side by side with family members and fans who grew up watching Grace Nortey on their TV screens.
John Dumelo and Maame Dokono were among the familiar faces at the ceremony, alongside representatives of the Ghana Actors Guild.
The interment that followed the service was private and reserved for close family members.
The Funeral Arrangements
The family first announced the funeral plans in early October, as we reported in our story on the Grace Nortey funeral date at the State House. The programme was led by the Sawyerr family, with Prof. Akilagpa Sawyerr as head of family.
The final part of the rites is a thanksgiving service on Sunday, November 1, 2026, at 8am at St Barnabas Anglican Church in Osu. Mourners have again been asked to wear white.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Grace Naa Kwarley Nortey (nƩe Sawyerr)
- Born: February 1, 1937
- Died: Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the University of Ghana Medical Centre, aged 89
- Burial service: Saturday, October 31, 2026, Forecourt of the State House, Accra
- Thanksgiving service: Sunday, November 1, 2026, St Barnabas Anglican Church, Osu
- Children: Five daughters, including actress Sheila Nortey
- Known for: Osofo Dadzie, Obra, Nana Akoto, Sinking Sands, Beasts of No Nation
Who Was Grace Nortey?
Grace Nortey was born on February 1, 1937, into the Sawyerr family of Accra and Sierra Leone. Over more than 50 years, she became one of the most respected faces in Ghanaian entertainment.
She was famous for playing strong, no-nonsense mother and grandmother roles. Many Ghanaians remember her from the classic TV series Osofo Dadzie, which was a household favourite for years, as well as Obra.
From Radio to the Big Screen
Before she became a familiar face on screen, she was a voice on the radio. In the 1970s, she hosted Nyeawokoshie, a programme aimed at Ga women.
Her screen work grew in the 1980s with productions such as Nana Akoto and Juju. She went on to star in titles including Escape to Love, Sinking Sands, Ties That Bind, Lost Hope and Matters of the Heart.
In 2015, she reached a global audience with her role in the Netflix film Beasts of No Nation.
Awards and Honours
Her work earned her several honours over the years. These include a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival in 2018 and recognition at the 3Music Awards Women’s Brunch in 2021 for her contribution to women in the performing arts.
A Nation’s Tributes
News of her death in August sparked a wave of tributes from across the country. Actors, politicians and fans shared memories of her roles and the impact she had on Ghanaian screens.
Former Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia described her as a trailblazer and a cultural icon. Actress Jackie Appiah and Minority Leader Alexander Afenyo-Markin were among the many public figures who also paid tribute to her at the time.
Her farewell comes at a sad time for Ghana’s movie industry, which also lost Efiewura actor Kwame Dzokoto just weeks ago.
Why Her Legacy Matters
Grace Nortey belonged to a generation of actors who built Ghana’s screen industry long before streaming and social media. Her work on stage, radio and television helped set the standard for those who came after her.
Today’s stars, from John Dumelo to Jackie Appiah, have often spoken about the value of the pioneers who opened the door for them. For many of the mourners at the State House, Saturday’s service was a chance to say thank you.
Final Word
Grace Nortey has been laid to rest, but her performances will live on in Ghanaian homes for many years. Her family will round off the funeral rites with a thanksgiving service in Osu on Sunday. Rest well, Auntie Grace.
Also Read on Halmblog
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