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Ghana will say a final goodbye to one of its most beloved screen mothers later this month. The family of veteran actress Grace Nortey has announced that she will be laid to rest on Saturday, October 31, 2026.
Ameyaw Debrah and YEN.com.gh both reported the funeral arrangements, which were shared by the family. Adomonline and other outlets also carried the announcement.
According to YEN.com.gh, the arrangements are as follows:
The family has asked mourners to dress in all white on both days. YEN.com.gh reports that there will be no wake-keeping.
Grace Nortey died on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at the age of 89, YEN.com.gh reports. Born in 1937, she spent decades working across theatre, television and film.
She became one of the most familiar faces in Ghanaian entertainment, best remembered for the motherly roles that shaped the childhood memories of generations of viewers. For many Ghanaians who grew up watching local television dramas and films, she was the screen mother, grandmother or wise elder whose presence brought warmth to countless stories.
Her career stretched across the different eras of Ghanaian entertainment, from stage plays and early television drama through the boom of home video films that made local actors household names.
Ghana Television's dramas in the 1980s and 1990s, followed by the explosion of locally made films on VHS and VCD, made actors like her familiar in homes across the country. Long before social media, these performers became part of family life through weekly shows and films watched together.
YEN.com.gh reports that she was married to the late Archibald Nortey and is survived by her children, including Vida Enchill, Andriana Nortey and Barbara Tabi.
The choice of the State House forecourt for her burial service reflects the respect she earned across the country. The venue is often used for the funerals of distinguished Ghanaians, and many in the creative industry are expected to attend to pay their last respects.
Grace Nortey's passing is part of a difficult period for Ghana's veteran actors. In recent weeks, the industry has also been talking about the welfare of older performers, with veteran actor Osofo Moses appealing publicly for help with his medical bills.
Her death has renewed calls for better recognition and support for the actors who built Ghana's film and television industry, often with little financial reward. Many of them worked at a time when contracts, royalties and pensions were rare, and their contribution is now being remembered with growing appreciation.
At the same time, some veterans are receiving recognition while they are still alive. Over the weekend, legendary actress Grace Omaboe, popularly known as Maame Dokono, was honoured with a lifetime achievement award at the Pete Edochie Legacy Project gala in Ghana.
For the many Ghanaians who grew up with her on their screens, the burial service will be a chance to say thank you for decades of performances.
Members of the public who wish to pay their respects can attend the burial service at the State House forecourt on October 31, following the family's all-white dress code. Further details are expected to be shared by the family closer to the date.
Talk Talk extends its condolences to the Nortey family and to all who loved her work.
