Bernice Offei, veteran Ghanaian gospel singer, dies at 63

Veteran Ghanaian gospel musician and songwriter Bernice Offei has died at the age of 63. Her passing was announced on Saturday, September 12, 2026, by fellow musician Nii Noi and producer Kwesi Ernest, who described her as a “gospel music legend.”

Offei was highly regarded for her spiritual depth and meaningful lyrics, with hit songs including “Life Is Short,” “Hold On,” and “Kaa She Gbeyei.” Her musical career included six albums, such as “We Are Victors,” “Me Kosu,” and “Grateful.” In 2009, she received recognition at the Ghana Music Awards, winning both Best Female Vocal Performance and Songwriter of the Year.

Before dedicating herself fully to music and ministry, Offei worked as a professional banker with Standard Chartered Bank. She was also academically accomplished, holding an MPhil in Crop Science from the University of Ghana and an MSc in Information Technology from the United Kingdom. Her death follows a period of public concern after she was briefly reported missing, though she was located safe shortly thereafter.