The recipients were selected for their international reach and proven records in promoting Ghanaian and African culture abroad. The diplomatic passports are intended to help them “connect Ghana to the world” through cultural diplomacy, trade promotion, and global engagement.

Meet the New Cultural Ambassadors

• Wode Maya (Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon): A travel vlogger and YouTuber who showcases African destinations, stories, and entrepreneurship. Trained in aeronautical engineering, he has built a large online following highlighting Africa’s potential.

• Rocky Dawuni: An internationally recognised reggae musician and activist with multiple Grammy nominations. Dawuni advocates for peace, the environment, and culture, making him a prominent figure in cultural diplomacy.

• Anita Erskine: A veteran broadcaster and media entrepreneur known for hosting flagship programmes and championing youth, women’s empowerment, and pan-African conversations. She is bilingual and enjoys a strong media profile across Ghana and Africa.

• Ibrahim Mahama: A leading contemporary visual artist from Tamale, celebrated for large-scale installations exploring themes of labour, history, and material culture. His works have been exhibited at major venues worldwide.

• Dentaa Amoateng MBE: A British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of the GUBA (Ghana UK-Based Achievements) Awards and GUBA Enterprise. She is renowned for diaspora engagement, entrepreneurship promotion, and cultural advocacy.

Purpose and Justification

The diplomatic passports are part of a strategic effort to broaden Ghana’s diplomatic toolkit by empowering cultural ambassadors who can advance trade, tourism, cultural exchange, and Ghana’s soft power abroad. Their combined influence across digital platforms, arts, broadcasting, and diaspora networks is expected to amplify Ghana’s global presence.

Reactions and Context

The five beneficiaries are widely recognised for projecting Ghana on the international stage. Wode Maya engages audiences through storytelling and travel content; Rocky Dawuni leverages music and advocacy; Anita Erskine uses media and public engagement; Ibrahim Mahama sparks global conversations through art; and Dentaa Amoateng mobilises the diaspora and promotes entrepreneurship. Together, they represent a multi-faceted approach to people-centred diplomacy.

Source: MyJoyOnline

 

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The initiative is part of government’s drive to promote transparency by giving ministries and agencies the platform to present their achievements, challenges, and progress in policy implementation.

Mr. Ablakwa is expected to outline key milestones, including Ghana’s role in bilateral and multilateral engagements, contributions to regional and global affairs, and efforts to safeguard the interests of Ghanaians abroad.

The session will also shed light on challenges facing the ministry and the strategies being adopted to address them.

Source: Adomonline

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The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the initiative on Tuesday [August 19, 2025] at the Ghana Presidential Investment Forum in Yokohama, Japan.

The event was held on the sidelines of the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD-9).

Mr. Ablakwa said President John Dramani Mahama had directed that Ghana’s diplomacy must go beyond protocol to deliver economic outcomes that improve the lives of citizens.

“For the first time in our history, on the 1st of September, the President will be launching the first of its kind, a novel KPI, Key Performance Indicators, for all ambassadors and diplomats from the Republic of Ghana. When you peruse that document, you will see that economic diplomacy is at the heart of it,” he stated.

He explained that the performance targets will require envoys to account for their role in promoting investment, facilitating trade, and protecting investor confidence. Their performance will be linked to tangible benefits for the Ghanaian economy.

“The President wants our diplomacy to make an impact. Our diplomacy must lead to the improvement in the lives of the people. Diplomacy must promote investment, and diplomacy must create a safe haven for all of those who invest in our country, and that is what the Foreign Ministry has been charged to do,” Mr Ablakwa said.

The Minister said the initiative forms part of President Mahama’s wider economic diplomacy agenda, which seeks to achieve macroeconomic stability, attract investment, and build stronger international partnerships.

He cited Ghana’s improved sovereign ratings, a stabilised currency, and renewed investor confidence as early gains under the current administration. He assured Japanese businesses that their investments in Ghana would remain secure.

Mr. Ablakwa added that the government intends to align the work of its foreign missions with national development priorities so that Ghanaians feel the impact through jobs, trade opportunities, and infrastructure projects supported by external partnerships.

Source: Graphic.com.gh

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Addressing journalists in Accra after signing an agreement with Serbia’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Marko Đurić, Mr. Ablakwa said the initiative is aimed at addressing Serbia’s aging population while providing employment opportunities for Ghana’s youthful workforce, which has a median age of 20.

“Ghana is ready to take full advantage of Serbia’s plan to issue 100,000 work permits this year,” he stated, adding that discussions are ongoing to finalize a labour mobility agreement between the two nations.

Beyond labour opportunities, the two countries are exploring partnerships in agriculture, culture, tourism, and other sectors.

Mr. Đurić, who is on a four-day official visit to Ghana, commended the country’s robust economic initiatives, including the 24-hour economy policy, and expressed optimism about deepening cooperation.

Source: AdomOnline

The Minister, accompanied by his entourage, met with women, students, and leaders of the Ghanaian communities in Benin.

There are currently over 2,000 Ghanaians living in Benin, facing issues such as non-recognition of consular identity cards, travel and trade barriers, challenges with acquiring the Ghana Card, and a lack of support for stranded travelers from Ghana.

The community also raised concerns about security harassment, particularly when transporting goods to Ghana via road.

Additionally, the Ghanaian community in Benin appealed to President John Mahama and the Minister to facilitate the actualization of the Representation of the People Amendment Law (ROPAL), which would enable them to exercise their right to vote.

Moses Oklu Tetteh, the President of the Ghana Association of United Communities in Benin, led the discussion during the meeting with Mr. Ablakwa.

In response, Mr. Ablakwa took time to explain government policies and programmes to the community, pledging his willingness to help address the array of challenges they are facing.

The Minister also announced a $2 million emergency fund earmarked for Ghanaians abroad, aimed at assisting with urgent needs.

Mr. Ablakwa further met with mission services and exchanged ideas on ways to strengthen bilateral relations between the Government of Ghana and the Republic of Benin.

Additionally, he assured Ghanaian students in Benin that the establishment of a students’ desk at the Ministry will help address their challenges and ensure the successful completion of their academic programs.

This visit is part of an initiative to establish direct contact with Ghanaians living abroad. Under the initiative, Mr. Ablakwa and officials from the Ministry will embark on visits to Ghanaian embassies and communities abroad to gather first-hand information.

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According to him, the North Tongu MP has failed to submit key documents requested by the Appointments Committee regarding his earnings and assets, raising concerns about transparency.

“Mr. Speaker, the nominee has submitted only two out of the nine documents requested by the Committee. We believe that he who comes to equity must come with clean hands. He has made a name for himself by questioning public servants and politicians about their sources of income. If you demand accountability from others, you must also be willing to submit yourself to the same standard,” Afenyo-Markin stated on the floor of Parliament.

He further accused Ablakwa of inconsistencies, citing his past scrutiny of individuals’ travel records and birth certificates.

While clarifying that he does not seek to frustrate Ablakwa’s political career, Afenyo-Markin insisted that the Minority could not support his nomination due to what he described as a lack of accountability.

“We, the Minority, have decided to wash our hands off his approval. Every sin at Airport Hills, we are not part of it. Carry your own cross. If he repents, we will welcome him – ‘Awaawaa atoo,’” Afenyo-Markin added.

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In a statement, the community expressed their sincere gratitude to the President for appointing their own Member of Parliament, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, as Minister for Foreign Affairs.

The people of North Tongu are immensely proud of this recognition, acknowledging the significant role their representative plays in Ghana’s progress.

The chiefs noted that Mr. Ablakwa’s contributions to the development of both the North Tongu constituency and Ghana as a whole have been invaluable.

They added that his leadership, integrity, loyalty, and dedication to public service have earned him the trust and admiration of the people.

The chiefs also emphasized that he has demonstrated unwavering commitment to his constituents, and his new role as Minister for Foreign Affairs is seen as a testament to his exemplary service.

They are confident that he will continue to serve with the same level of excellence and integrity that has defined his career to date.

“We, the chiefs and people of North Tongu constituency, congratulate His Excellency John Dramani Mahama for an emphatic win in the just-ended presidential election and on the assumption of another term as President of the Republic of Ghana.”

“We wish to express our utmost appreciation and deepest gratitude to the President for the appointment of our son and Member of Parliament of the North Tongu constituency as Minister of Foreign Affairs,” an excerpt of the statement said.

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“The Parliament of Ghana is considering a new act that will enhance the capacity of the Ghana Boundary Commission to meet international best practices. Our region has immense growth potential, but this potential can only be realised if we create an enabling environment for trade and investment to thrive.” she stated.

The Ghana Boundary Commission, under the mandate of ECOWAS, is set to organize the inaugural meeting of heads of boundary commissions in West Africa from July 9th to 11th, 2024.

The primary objective of the meeting is to establish mechanisms for collaboration between national and regional boundary commissions to enhance border governance strategies in the region.

At the opening ceremony, Commissioner General of the Ghana Boundary Commission, Major General Emmanuel Okotiea, highlighted the pivotal role of the Commission in addressing boundary issues and preventing their escalation.

“We have been working individually as boundary commissions in West Africa. However, there is a need for synergy among the West African countries to develop common strategies for the various boundary commissions to operate effectively. For instance, while Ghana, Côte d’Ivoire, and Nigeria have robust structures and frameworks, some countries lack these. This meeting aims to foster a common understanding and approach to border management across the region. In Ghana, we have resolved numerous minor border issues that could have escalated into major conflicts, thanks to our collaboration with neighboring boundary commissions,” he explained.

Director of the Free Movement of Persons and Migration at the ECOWAS Commission Albert, Siaw Boateng, emphasised the importance of joint border patrols and information sharing.

Chairperson and the Director General of the National Boundary Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Adamu Adaji, remarked on the security challenges in Southwest African countries that hinder effective border management.

“The issue of insecurity is very key and I think this kind of forum will be able to address some of these issues, share their experiences and try to see how we can synergise to share intelligence.”

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This was announced in a press release by the Ministry on February 2, 2024.

The Minister was nominated by President Nana Add Dankwa Akufo-Addo “on an understanding among members of the Commonwealth that its next Secretary-General would come from Africa.”

“A new Secretary-General of the 56-member organization will be elected on 22nd October 2024 at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Samoa to replace Baroness Patricia Scotland, a dual Dominican-British citizen, whose second and final tenure expires at the end of 2024.”

Nominating her, President Akufo-Addo stated, “I have strong confidence in Foreign Minister Botchwey to lead our aspiration for renewal and for building future-looking resilient and thriving economies, through community cooperation and action, as underscored at Kigali in Rwanda, during the 26th Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM).”

Hon. Botchwey is positive about the position because she has been endorsed by the African Union and also enjoys considerable support across all regions of the Commonwealth.

Full press release below:

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On the back of this, Madam Ayorkor Botchwey has relieved staff who were seconded to the passport office of their duties.

The Minister has directed that effective Monday, August 21, 2023, these employees should not report to work because they have been changed.

Notably, she cautioned employees who had worked at the Passport Office for more than a year to stay off work as part of measures to bring sanity.

“Everybody who has been here for more than one year, from Monday on, please do not come back because you have been changed. We want to restore some sanity. Every time politicians are corrupt, meanwhile, it is some public civil servants who will do things that shouldn’t be done, and then they will be put on politicians,” she directed.

This was after a visit to the passport office on Monday, where the Minister expressed her shock at the unfair procedures that employees there subject applicants to.

She bemoaned that, through the collaborative effort of Vice President Dr Mahamudu Bawumia the Ministry has been able to digitise the passport acquisition process.

However, some people are deliberately manipulating the system for their gain.

The Minister hinted investigations have commenced into the criminal activities with some names already coming up.

The investigations, she noted, has shown the existence of a network that was working with Passport Office employees, adding that she was shocked at the widespread notion that only politicians and her ministry were responsible for corruption.

“It is disheartening that while blame is often laid at the feet of politicians, it is, in fact, some public servants who engage in these wrongful acts, which are then mistakenly attributed to politicians,” she lamented.

She added investigations into the “goro boys,” who prey on applicants with the help of office staff, are still ongoing and moving forward.

The Minister said she is convinced there is cooperation with certain personnel at the Passport Office because these outside players cannot work alone.

She has, therefore, issued a warning that those found guilty will face legal action as a deterrent to others.

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Listen to the Minister in the video below:

Passport office: Foreign Affairs Minister sacks overstayed officers. #JoyNews pic.twitter.com/r2k5YCcT6j

— Joy 99.7 FM (@Joy997FM) August 14, 2023

Madam Botchwey disclosed this in a meeting with parents and guardians on Tuesday, after about 16 students successfully arrived in the country.

“As t 5 pm on 28th of February, an estimated number of 527 Ghanaian nationals have crossed the Ukrainian border to various neighbouring countries and they will soon be with us in Ghana as long as they are willing to be evacuated, it will be at no cost to them.

“I’m saying that because there are some who have indicated that they do not wish to come back home. So after a couple of days, they will be on their own because the government cannot cover those people forever,” she said.

Though she did not state reasons for their decision not to return, he indicated the government is evacuating persons who are willing to return.

“What we are covering is to pick them to a safe place to bring them back home as many of you parents have indicated that you want your children back home, so the government will do that,” she assured.

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Scores of Ghanaians are also present to welcome their relatives.

About 16 people, according to the Minister, are expected to arrive today, March 1, 2022.

They will be onboard Qatar Air.

The number is the first batch of Ghanaian nationals to be evacuated into the country following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine which has entered day six.

Upon arrival, there will be a meeting with parents, guardians or relatives of Ghanaian Nationals in Ukraine, at the Accra International Conference Centre (AICC).

Meanwhile, over 220 Ghanaians in Ukraine had safely exited the country as of midday of Sunday, February 27.

Madam Botchwey explained this was achieved through a number of collaborative efforts the government made with its diplomatic partners, missions and consulates.

Addressing the nation on Sunday, the Minister announced that the government has instituted the necessary measures to facilitate the transportation, accommodation, feeding, medical support and flights for the evacuated citizens.

She also mentioned that over 460 students are already in transit to neighbouring countries such as Poland, Hungary, Romania, Slovakia and the Czech Republic.

Play the video below for more:

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The award was presented to the Minister in Accra by a delegation from the Initiators of Change Foundation led by Reverend Dr Abogye-Mensah, Chairman of the Board of Trustees.

Other members of the delegation included Reverend Dr Nanayaa Owusu Prempeh, Trustee, and Mr Kofi Gyan, Executive Director.

The delegation presented Madam Ayorkor the “Lifetime in a Portrait Award” as an Outstanding Foreign Affairs Minister of the Decade, following her nomination as a recipient of the award.

The Minister thanked the Trustees and Management of the Initiators of Change Foundation for the award and noted that the recognition was a huge morale booster, for which she is very grateful.

She dedicated the award to her family and the staff of the Ministry, who had together been her bulwark and mainstay ever since she assumed office as the Minister of Foreign Affairs, nearly five years ago.

Madam Ayorkor Botchwey noted that public service was an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the improvement in the living standards of the citizenry and seized the occasion to thank the President for the privilege offered her to serve in government.

She also paid tribute to her predecessors, who equally distinguished themselves in the role and whose work had served as a good foundation in advancing Ghana’s foreign policy objectives.

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She commended the Foundation for its initiatives, which promote social cohesion, patriotism, national unity, and development.

The Minister congratulated the Foundation for marking its 10 years anniversary in 2021 and wished the Trustees, Management as well as all its stakeholders many more happy anniversaries.

She reiterated her avowed commitment to continue being of service to the nation.

On his part, Rev Dr Abogye-Mensah said the Minister’s extensive knowledge in foreign policy gained from her long service at the Foreign Ministry since 2001 had been the cause of her outstanding contributions in the upgrade and expansion of services at Ghana Missions abroad and passport offices across the country.

He noted the award was in recognition of the positive impact the Minister and her team had made on the development of Ghana.

Initiators of Change Foundation is a non-governmental organisation that was established in 2006 and duly registered in June 2008, incorporated under the Registrar General’s Department with registration number G-24,713.

The Foundation is a governance, poverty reduction, empowerment and human resource development-based organisation.