Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and professional banker Bernice Offei has died at the age of 63.
The award-winning gospel artiste reportedly died on Saturday September 12, 2026.
Her death was announced on social media by fellow gospel musician Nii Noi, while renowned Ghanaian music producer Kwesi Ernest also confirmed the news in a Facebook post.
Bernice Offei was widely respected for her soulful vocals, spiritual depth and songwriting, and was regarded as one of the notable voices to emerge from Ghana’s gospel music scene.
Her music career spanned several decades, during which she released six studio albums and built a strong following with songs centered on Christian faith, perseverance, and reflections on life.
Among her best-known songs are Hold On, Life Is Short and Kaa She Gbeyei. Other recordings associated with her include Odo A Wodo Mi Nti, Nyame Kokroko, N’adom Ara Kwa and Don Bi Rebo.
Her sixth album, Life, released in 2007, became one of the notable successes of her career. The album earned her major recognition at the 2009 Ghana Music Awards, where she won Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year.
Bernice Offei was also known outside music as a professional banker.
She was married to Professor Samuel Kwame Offei, a former Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Ghana, and they had two children.
Her death comes only days after concern was raised over her disappearance in Accra. Her family had appealed to the public for information about her whereabouts, and she was subsequently found safe within 24 hours.
The circumstances surrounding her death, including the cause, had not been officially confirmed at the time of publication.
