By: Hannah Dadzie
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has officially handed over diplomatic passports to five distinguished Ghanaians who have projected the country internationally through their talents. In a brief ceremony at the Ministry, Mr Ablakwa described the gesture as a strategic, cost-saving investment in Ghana’s soft power, rather than merely an award.
He linked the importance of their work to economic diplomacy, noting that their organic promotion of Ghana saves the country millions of dollars that would otherwise be spent on high-cost advertising with global media organizations and lobbying firms.
“I receive all kinds of proposals, invoices from renowned media organisations, global giant and If you see their prize quotations to promote Ghana, just a one minute click or a short video, and international lobbying firms, how much they want to charge us it’s in the millions of dollars. If we have people who God has blessed us with, why don’t you promote your own? This really is a smart decision that we all have to applaud. And it’s a patriotic one.” The Foreign Minister lamented
The Minister commended the recipients for their service and dedication, noting that the issuance of diplomatic passports is not only a recognition of their roles as Ghana’s ambassadors abroad but also an instrument to facilitate their international engagements. He emphasized that none of the honourees applied or lobbied for the recognition, explaining that the selection was purely on merit and their contributions to the nation’s image.
“We want to state that there was no political or partisan consideration. We’ve not asked anybody to show us a party card.This is about Ghana, about the flag, the image, and the pride of our country. You have made us so proud, across all regimes.You didn’t stop when the NDC or NPP was in power.” he added.
The presentation, which followed an earlier announcement made during the Media Launch of the 2025 Diaspora Summit, highlighted government’s commitment to strengthening Ghana’s engagement with its citizens abroad and enhancing their contributions to national development.
The Foreign Affairs Minister described the initiative as historic, noting that this is the first time Ghana is extending diplomatic passports beyond politicians, diplomats, clergy, and traditional leaders to include creatives and cultural advocates.
He explained that the decision was taken in consultation with President John Dramani Mahama, who gave full approval for the recognition.
“A country that does not honour its heroes is not worth dying for. Our colleagues in the creative space are often promoting Ghana even more than those traditionally given this honour. This gesture is about Ghana, about our flag, our image, and our pride as a nation.”the Minister said.
Mr Ablakwa further gave the assurance that the issuance of such passports will continue to be issued cautiously to protect their integrity and international credibility.
The recipients of the diplomatic passports are International Reggae Star, Rocky Dawuni, Content Creator, Wode Maya, Broadcaster Anita Erskine, Visual Artist, Ibrahim Mahama, and GUBA Enterprise founder, Dentaa Amoateng.
Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, said the initiative is a moment of pride for the creative sector, urging the honourees to continue redefining the narrative of Ghana as a land of talent, resilience and innovation. She highlighted their diverse achievements as proof that Ghana’s creative industry is a powerful tool for diplomacy and development.
“Partner the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, of course, your mother Ministry, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, so that we can change the narrative about our country.We have the best of creatives. You represent that space. Go and make us proud.” Madam Gomashie urged
Speaking on behalf of the recipients, broadcaster Anita Erskine expressed profound gratitude for the recognition, saying the honour represents a call to higher duty.
“I stand here, Honourable Minister, not to just speak on their behalf, but to say you couldn’t have made a better, better selection.These aren’t just our passports. They belong to the nation. If we thought we were working hard before, this only means we must work harder to inspire the next generation,” she said.
The new diplomatic ambassadors are expected to play a crucial role in promoting the upcoming Diaspora Summit, scheduled for December 19 and 20.
The brief ceremony was not the end of a journey but the beginning of a greater responsibility: to carry Ghana’s red, gold, green, and black star even higher across the world stage.
