Ghanaian Gospel Music Icon Bernice Offei Dies at 63
Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter Bernice Offei has died at the age of 63, leaving Ghana’s gospel music community mourning the loss of one of its respected voices.
Reports of her death emerged on Saturday, September 12, 2026. The Ghana News Agency (GNA) reported that Offei died on September 12, while GBC Digital and Citi Newsroom also confirmed her death at the age of 63. The cause of death has not been publicly disclosed.
Offei was widely known for inspirational gospel songs including “Hold On,” “Life Is Short” and “Kaa She Gbeyei,” songs that helped establish her as a distinctive voice in Ghanaian gospel music.
A career built on gospel music
Bernice Offei was an award-winning Ghanaian gospel artiste whose career spanned several decades.
She released a number of albums during her career, including We Are Victors, Hold On, Me Kosu, Grateful and Life. Her music was characterised by messages of faith, perseverance, hope and reflection on life.
Her song “Hold On” became one of her best-known works, while “Life Is Short” further cemented her reputation as an artiste whose music addressed both spiritual and everyday human experiences.
Offei's contribution to Ghanaian gospel music also earned her industry recognition. She won Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year at the 2009 Vodafone Ghana Music Awards, according to biographical records on her career.
From professional life to music
Offei was also known for her professional background outside music. Biographical records identify her as a banker by profession before she eventually devoted herself more fully to gospel music.
She had an academic background that included studies at the University of Ghana, and her career reflected a combination of professional, academic and artistic pursuits.
Her transition towards full-time gospel music allowed her to focus more extensively on her calling as a singer and songwriter.
A sudden loss after recent public concern
Offei's death comes only days after she became the subject of widespread public concern when she was reported missing in Accra.
The 63-year-old musician was reported missing after she was last seen on September 1, 2026, around Nyaho-Tamakloe Street in the Agbogba area of Accra. Her family, friends and members of the gospel music community subsequently appealed for information about her whereabouts.
She was subsequently found safe, bringing relief to her family, friends and fans. Several Ghanaian news organisations reported her safe return on September 2.
Her death just days later has therefore come as a shock to the Ghanaian gospel music community and the wider public.
A lasting musical legacy
Throughout her career, Bernice Offei used gospel music to communicate messages of faith, encouragement and reflection.
Her catalogue, particularly songs such as “Hold On” and “Life Is Short,” remains an important part of Ghana's gospel music heritage. Her contribution came during a period when Ghanaian gospel music was expanding its audience and establishing a strong presence within the country's popular music industry.
Her passing marks the loss of a veteran artiste whose music reached generations of listeners.
Tributes are expected from colleagues in the gospel music fraternity, industry figures, churches, fans and members of the public as Ghana remembers the life and work of the veteran musician.
As of publication, the circumstances and cause of Bernice Offei's death have not been officially disclosed. Ghana Evening News will update this report when credible information is formally released by her family or relevant authorities.
Bernice Offei was 63.