Nortey passed away in the early hours of Wednesday, August 26, 2026, while on admission at the University of Ghana Medical Centre (UGMC) in Accra. Details of the cause of death have not been publicly disclosed. She would have turned 90 in February 2027.
Born on February 1, 1937, Nortey was one of the pioneers of Ghana’s theatre, television and film industries. Her career spanned more than five decades. She earned the nickname “Maame Gyata” (Lion Lady or Lion Woman) for her powerful portrayals of strong-willed, outspoken and fearless female characters who often challenged tradition, patriarchy and social injustice.
She rose to prominence during Ghana’s golden era of television and theatre in the 1980s and beyond, appearing in popular productions including Obra, Osofo Dadzie, Key Soap Concert Party, Cantata, Taxi Driver and Thursday Theatre. Her first major screen role came in the 1986 comic film Juju. She later featured in films such as Nana Akoto, Matters of the Heart, Escape to Love, Ties That Bind, Sinking Sands and the internationally acclaimed Beasts of No Nation (2015), in which she played the Old Witch Woman alongside Idris Elba and Abraham Attah.
Before her screen success, Nortey hosted a Ga-language radio talk show for women, Nyeawokoshie, in the 1970s. She also advocated for the welfare of actors through the Ghana Actors Guild and encouraged formal training for young performers.
Her contributions were recognised with several awards, including Best Cameo Actress at the Ghana Movie Awards (2011) for Adams Apple, Excellence in Arts at the Glitz Women of the Year Honours (2016), a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Black Star International Film Festival (2018), and further honours at the Ghana Actors Entertainment Awards and AshantiFest in 2025.
Nortey was married to Daniel Nortey, who predeceased her. She is survived by five children, including actress Sheila Nortey. In recent years, health challenges including mobility and eyesight issues had limited her public appearances and roles, though she made a rare appearance around her 89th birthday in February 2026.
News of her death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from fans, colleagues and the Ghanaian entertainment community, who remember her as a trailblazer whose work helped shape generations of performers and storytelling in Ghana.
