Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Ibrahim Mahama Among Five Ghanaians Awarded Diplomatic Passports
On September 17, 2025, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa conferred diplomatic passports upon five distinguished Ghanaians—travel vlogger Wode Maya, Grammy-nominated reggae artist Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, entrepreneur Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, and visual artist Ibrahim Mahama —during the launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025, an event co-organized by the Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This strategic initiative aims to bolster Ghana’s cultural diplomacy and foster stronger people-to-people connections on a global scale.
The recipients were carefully chosen for their exceptional international influence and proven dedication to promoting Ghanaian and African culture worldwide. By awarding them diplomatic passports, the Ministry seeks to empower these individuals to enhance Ghana’s global presence through cultural exchange, trade promotion, and international engagement, effectively serving as cultural ambassadors to elevate the nation’s soft power.
Wode Maya, born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, is a celebrated Ghanaian YouTuber and travel vlogger whose platform highlights African destinations, stories, and entrepreneurial ventures. A trained aeronautical engineer, Maya has cultivated a substantial online audience by showcasing the diversity and vibrancy of African nations, positioning him as a key figure in digital storytelling.
Rocky Dawuni, a globally recognized reggae musician and activist, has earned multiple Grammy nominations for his work. His music, infused with messages of peace, environmental consciousness, and cultural pride, has established him as a powerful voice in Ghana’s cultural diplomacy efforts, resonating with audiences worldwide.
Anita Erskine, a seasoned broadcaster and media entrepreneur, is renowned for hosting prominent programs and advocating for youth empowerment, women’s rights, and pan-African dialogue. Her bilingual proficiency and extensive media presence across Ghana and the continent make her a pivotal figure in shaping public discourse and fostering cross-cultural connections.
Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE, a British-Ghanaian entrepreneur, is the founder of the GUBA Awards and GUBA Enterprise, platforms dedicated to recognizing Ghanaian achievements and fostering diaspora engagement. Her extensive work in promoting entrepreneurship and cultural advocacy has made her a vital link between Ghana and its global diaspora.
Ibrahim Mahama, a contemporary visual artist from Tamale, is celebrated for his large-scale installations that explore themes of labor, history, and material culture. His works, exhibited in prestigious global venues, have sparked international conversations, positioning him as a leading voice in the art world and a cultural representative for Ghana.
The issuance of diplomatic passports to these individuals reflects a deliberate strategy to expand Ghana’s diplomatic framework by leveraging the unique strengths of high-profile cultural figures. Their collective influence—spanning digital media, music, broadcasting, contemporary art, and diaspora networks—positions them to advance Ghana’s interests in trade, tourism, and cultural exchange. Each recipient contributes a distinct dimension to this effort: Wode Maya’s travel narratives connect global audiences to African stories, Dawuni’s music amplifies Ghana’s cultural voice, Erskine’s media platforms drive public engagement, Mahama’s art provokes global dialogue, and Amoateng’s initiatives strengthen diaspora ties and entrepreneurial ecosystems. Together, their efforts are poised to enhance Ghana’s image and influence in key international markets.
