Accra, Ghana — In a landmark gesture of cultural recognition, the Government of Ghana has awarded diplomatic passports to five celebrated figures whose work has placed Ghana and Africa firmly on the global map. The recipients — Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Anita Erskine, Ibrahim Mahama, and Dentaa Amoateng MBE — have each, in their unique ways, championed African identity, creativity, and innovation to audiences across the world.
The move highlights Ghana’s strategy of elevating its cultural ambassadors as instruments of diplomacy and national branding, underscoring the role of arts, media, and digital storytelling in shaping international perceptions of Africa.
Wode Maya: The Digital Storyteller Bridging Africa to the World
Wode Maya, born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, has risen to prominence as Ghana’s leading YouTuber. A trained aeronautical engineer, he swapped cockpits for cameras, building one of the continent’s most influential digital platforms.
Through his engaging travel documentaries and interviews, Maya has spotlighted African entrepreneurs, tourism gems, and cultural icons, amassing millions of followers globally. His mission has been clear: to tell authentic African stories that counter negative stereotypes.
From bustling cityscapes to rural innovation hubs, his channel has become a digital gateway through which global audiences connect with Africa’s vibrancy. By documenting local success stories and pan-African collaborations, he has positioned himself as a powerful advocate for intra-African tourism and investment.
Rocky Dawuni: The Global Musician and Humanitarian
Three-time Grammy-nominated Afro Roots musician Rocky Dawuni has long embodied Ghana’s artistic spirit on the world stage. Blending reggae, highlife, and soul with deeply conscious lyrics, Dawuni has used his music as a platform for advocacy, championing environmental protection, social justice, and African unity.
Beyond his artistic accomplishments, Dawuni serves as a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador for Environment for Africa, where he mobilizes communities on issues of climate change and sustainability. His voice, both musical and humanitarian, continues to amplify Ghana’s message of resilience and creativity worldwide.
Anita Erskine: The Voice of Empowerment
Anita Erskine, a respected broadcaster, entrepreneur, and public speaker, has built a reputation as one of Africa’s leading media personalities. Known for her eloquence and commanding presence, she has hosted flagship television and radio programs while also spearheading initiatives that promote women in leadership, entrepreneurship, and education.
Her show, Sheroes of Our Time, has given a platform to powerful African women shaping politics, business, and culture, further cementing her role as a cultural influencer and advocate for gender equality. For many young Africans, Erskine represents both a mentor and a trailblazer.
Ibrahim Mahama: The Visionary Artist
Internationally acclaimed visual artist Ibrahim Mahama has redefined contemporary art in Ghana. Known for his monumental installations made from everyday materials such as jute sacks and reclaimed wood, Mahama’s work explores themes of history, labor, migration, and collective memory.
Exhibited in prestigious institutions from Venice to New York, Mahama’s art not only challenges global audiences to rethink Africa’s place in modern narratives but also nurtures local creative communities. Through projects like the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art (SCCA) in Tamale, he has invested in empowering young Ghanaian artists and expanding the reach of African creativity.
Dentaa Amoateng MBE: The Diaspora Connector
Dentaa Amoateng, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and founder of the GUBA (Grow, Unite, Build Africa) Awards, has become a vital bridge between Ghana, Africa, and its global diaspora. Her recognition by the British monarchy with an MBE reflects her role in fostering stronger links through business, culture, and advocacy.
Through GUBA, she has celebrated African excellence, connected diaspora communities to their heritage, and facilitated opportunities for collaboration across continents. Dentaa’s work embodies Ghana’s soft power, positioning the nation as a beacon for the African diaspora.
A Symbolic Gesture with Global Implications
By granting diplomatic passports to these five figures, Ghana has not only recognized their individual achievements but also signaled the value it places on soft power diplomacy. Officials say the gesture will enable the honourees to travel more freely in their capacity as cultural ambassadors, further promoting Ghana and Africa abroad.
Analysts note that the recognition reflects a growing global trend where nations harness the influence of artists, digital creators, and cultural leaders to project national identity, attract investment, and strengthen ties with diaspora communities.
As Ghana continues to assert itself as a hub for culture, creativity, and heritage in Africa, the honourees are expected to deepen their roles as storytellers, advocates, and connectors on the international stage.
Reactions have been mixed. Supporters of the move welcomed it as a step toward restoring democratic governance and encouraging economic activity, while some stakeholders urged caution, warning that underlying grievances in the state must still be addressed to avoid a relapse into unrest.
