Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has issued diplomatic passports to five notable Ghanaians, recognising their contributions to promoting the country’s image abroad.
The recipients are travel vlogger Wode Maya, Grammy-nominated reggae musician Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, visual artist Ibrahim Mahama and entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng MBE.
The announcement was made on Wednesday, September 17, during the launch of the Diaspora Summit 2025, organised by the Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The initiative is designed to support Ghana’s cultural diplomacy by enabling individuals with global influence to represent the country on the international stage. The five were chosen for their international visibility and consistent efforts to highlight Ghana and Africa in their work.
The recipients
- Wode Maya (Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon): A Ghanaian YouTuber and travel vlogger known for showcasing African destinations, entrepreneurship and cultural experiences.
- Rocky Dawuni: A reggae artist and activist with multiple Grammy nominations, recognised for using music to advocate for peace, culture and the environment.
- Anita Erskine: A broadcaster and media personality celebrated for her work in youth and women’s empowerment as well as pan-African media engagement.
- Ibrahim Mahama: A contemporary artist from Tamale whose large-scale installations have been exhibited internationally, exploring themes of labour and history.
- Dentaa Amoateng MBE: Founder of the GUBA Awards and GUBA Enterprise, noted for her contributions to diaspora engagement, entrepreneurship and cultural promotion.
Broader aim
Officials say the decision to grant the passports forms part of efforts to expand Ghana’s diplomatic strategy by using cultural and creative leaders to boost tourism, trade, cultural exchange and international partnerships. The move reflects a growing emphasis on soft power as a means of advancing Ghana’s global interests.
