The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has presented diplomatic passports to five high-profile Ghanaians — travel vlogger Wode Maya, Grammy-nominated reggae artist Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng MBE. The initiative aims to strengthen Ghana’s cultural and people-to-people diplomacy.
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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
