Former Vice Presidential Candidate of the New Patriotic Party (NPP) in the 2024 general elections, Dr. Matthew Opoku Prempeh, popularly known as NAPO, has expressed his condolences following the death of veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Nortey at the age of 89.
Dr. Opoku Prempeh described the passing of the celebrated actress as a “profound loss” to Ghana’s creative arts community and to the generations of Ghanaians who grew up watching and appreciating her work.
In a tribute, NAPO said Grace Nortey had left an indelible mark on Ghana’s entertainment industry through her memorable performances in theatre, television and film.
He noted that many Ghanaians would remember the late actress for her roles in popular productions including Kofi Nkrabea, Osofo Dadzie, Taxi Driver, Sinking Sands and Beasts of No Nation.
According to him, Grace Nortey possessed a rare ability to combine humour, emotion and depth in her performances, allowing her characters to resonate with audiences and become part of Ghana’s collective cultural memory.
“Grace Nortey’s passing at 89 is a profound loss to Ghana’s creative arts community and to generations who grew up watching her remarkable work,” NAPO said.
He further reflected on the contribution of Grace Nortey’s generation to the development of Ghana’s creative industry, particularly at a time when actors and other creative professionals had limited resources and fewer opportunities compared with what is available today.
NAPO said the veteran actress was among a generation of performers who helped lay the foundation for Ghanaian theatre, television and film, contributing significantly to the growth and preservation of the country’s cultural identity.
He stressed that the significance of the creative industry goes beyond entertainment, arguing that it plays an important role in preserving Ghana’s history, culture and traditions while providing livelihoods for practitioners.
“The creative industry matters because it preserves our stories, carries our culture, creates livelihoods and gives future generations the confidence to tell Ghana’s story to the world,” he said.
The former Education Minister said Grace Nortey’s life and career therefore represented more than a successful journey in acting, describing her legacy as part of the broader history of Ghana’s creative arts.
He said while her death was a moment of grief for her family, colleagues and admirers, it was also an opportunity to celebrate the contribution she made to the industry and the path she helped create for younger generations of creatives.
“As we mourn her, we also celebrate what she helped build and the path she helped create for those who came after her,” NAPO added.
He extended his condolences to Grace Nortey’s family, friends, colleagues and members of the creative arts fraternity, as well as the countless Ghanaians who enjoyed her work throughout her career.
He prayed for strength and comfort for the bereaved family and those close to the actress during the period of mourning.
“May her soul rest in peace,” he said.
Grace Nortey’s death has renewed attention on the contributions of veteran Ghanaian actors and actresses whose work helped shape the country’s theatre, television and film landscape and influenced subsequent generations of performers.
By 1960news.com
