BY NADIA NTIAMOAH
Veteran Ghanaian actress Grace Omaboe, popularly known as Maame Dokono, broke down in tears following the death of fellow screen legend Grace Nortey, describing the late actress as a close friend whose influence extended far beyond their years together in the film industry.
Maame Dokono said she wept when she received news of Nortey’s passing, revealing that the loss came as a profound shock to her.
“I wept when I heard the news of her passing,” she said, as she reflected on the relationship she shared with the late actress over several decades.
The two veteran actresses developed their friendship during the early years of their careers, when the film industry was growing and actors frequently travelled across the country for productions.
Maame Dokono recalled that she and Grace Nortey travelled together for movie productions, including trips to Takoradi.
“When I started with her, we were going to Takoradi together,” she recalled.
Their relationship was not limited to working together on set. According to Maame Dokono, the two actresses developed a close personal bond and often brought humour into their professional relationship.
She explained that they sometimes took turns playing particular character types in productions, with each actress occasionally taking on roles associated with the other.
“Sometimes I play the Patience Ozokwor, and sometimes too she will play,” Maame Dokono said.
The pair also engaged in mock quarrels during filming, turning some of their interactions into moments of laughter despite the demanding nature of their work.
Their bond continued long after filming ended. Maame Dokono recalled attending Grace Nortey’s birthday celebration at her home in the Atomic area of Accra approximately one or two years ago.
“I was so close to her, I was so close. I remember last year or two she said she wanted to celebrate her birthday, so we all went to her house at Atomic and celebrated her,” she said.
“She was such a nice person. She will always sit me down and advise me. She will advise me,” she recalled.
