Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially presented diplomatic passports to five distinguished Ghanaians.
This honorary presentation is in recognition of their contributions to promoting Ghanaian and African culture on the global stage.
The recipients include travel vlogger Wode Maya, Grammy-nominated reggae musician Rocky Dawuni, renowned broadcaster Anita Erskine, celebrated contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur and social activist Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 17, during the launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025, an event organized by the Office of the President Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The summit aims to strengthen ties between Ghana and its diaspora communities while promoting cultural exchange and people-to-people diplomacy.
In a post shared to his social media platforms, the Foreign Affairs Minister wrote, “Congratulations; keep bringing Ghana renown.”
Meet the Honourees
Wode Maya
Born Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, Wode Maya is a Ghanaian aeronautical engineer turned YouTube personality and digital influencer. With millions of subscribers, his travel vlogs showcase the diversity, beauty, and entrepreneurial spirit of African nations. His content has become a major platform for reshaping global narratives about Africa.
Anita Erskine
A household name in African media, Anita Erskine is a seasoned broadcaster and communications entrepreneur. She has hosted several acclaimed TV shows, including The One Show and Anita Erskine’s Sheroes. Her work highlights women’s empowerment, African excellence, and social development. She has been consistently named among the 100 Most Influential African Women by Avance Media.
Rocky Dawuni
A four-time Grammy-nominated artist, Rocky Dawuni is globally recognized for his unique Afro Roots sound, which fuses Reggae, Highlife, Afrobeats, and Soul. With eight solo albums and collaborations with global icons like Stevie Wonder and Peter Gabriel, Dawuni uses music as a tool for advocacy, unity, and cultural pride.
Ibrahim Mahama
Known for his large-scale installations and critical artworks, Ibrahim Mahama is one of Ghana’s most internationally acclaimed contemporary artists. His work interrogates global trade, post-colonialism, and failed modernist infrastructure, often using local materials like jute sacks and railway seats. In 2023, he became the first African appointed as Artistic Director of the Ljubljana Biennale of Graphic Arts.
Lady Dentaa Amoateng MBE
Entrepreneur and media figure, Dentaa Amoateng is the founder of the GUBA Awards, which honours the achievements of Ghanaians across the diaspora. Her work bridges cultural and business communities between Africa and the rest of the world. Recognized with an MBE for her service to African diaspora communities, she remains a powerful voice for cultural pride and economic empowerment.
The presentation of diplomatic passports to these 5 Ghanaians is seen as a strategic step towards Ghana’s growth on the world stage and deepening engagement with its global diaspora.
