ACCRA — In a move to harness soft power for African unity and global outreach, Ghana’s government has granted diplomatic passports to five prominent figures, including YouTuber Wode Maya and broadcaster Anita Erskine. The initiative, announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during the launch of the 2025 Diaspora Summit, aims to empower these individuals as unofficial ambassadors to promote Ghana’s image, cultural diplomacy, and economic ties abroad. This comes at a time when President John Dramani Mahama‘s administration is ramping up efforts to position Ghana as a hub for African integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The recipients, selected for their international influence and dedication to showcasing Ghanaian and African narratives, include travel vlogger Wode Maya (real name Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon), Grammy-nominated reggae artist Rocky Dawuni, media personality Anita Erskine, visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, and British-Ghanaian entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng MBE. Ablakwa, invoking authority under the National Liberation Council Decree (NLCD) 155, presented the passports to recognize their roles in elevating Ghana’s profile through media, music, art, and philanthropy. “These honorees have consistently brought Ghana renown on the world stage,” Ablakwa said in a Facebook post, adding that the passports will facilitate smoother international travel to advance trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges.
Under Mahama’s “Reset Ghana” agenda, the government is prioritizing cultural exports to counter past challenges like currency depreciation and inflation. Diplomatic passports, typically reserved for officials, grant holders visa waivers and expedited entry to over 140 countries, allowing these influencers to amplify Ghana’s voice in global forums. This aligns with the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and AfCFTA goals, where cultural diplomacy can drive intra-African trade projected to reach $450 billion by 2035.
Wode Maya, with over 1.5 million YouTube subscribers, has become a digital trailblazer by documenting African entrepreneurship and destinations, from Kenyan startups to South African innovators. His work has spotlighted untold stories, earning him collaborations with global brands and visits to 50+ countries. Anita Erskine, a seasoned broadcaster and advocate for women’s empowerment, hosts pan-African programs that bridge youth dialogues across the continent, including her eponymous show on empowerment and media ethics. Rocky Dawuni, known for hits blending reggae with highlife, uses his platform for environmental activism and peace advocacy, performing at events like the UN Climate Summits. Ibrahim Mahama, the Tamale-born artist (distinct from the president’s brother), has wowed international galleries with massive installations exploring labor and history, exhibited from Venice Biennale to London’s Tate Modern. Dentaa Amoateng MBE, founder of the GUBA Awards, champions diaspora entrepreneurship, fostering UK-Ghana business links through her enterprise network.
Strategic Push for Soft Power and Integration
Ablakwa emphasized that this isn’t mere symbolism—it’s a targeted expansion of Ghana’s diplomatic toolkit. “By empowering these cultural ambassadors, we connect Ghana to the world through trade promotion, tourism, and international engagement,” he explained. The move builds on Ghana’s hosting of AfCFTA headquarters since 2021, aiming to leverage influencers’ reach—Wode Maya’s videos alone garner millions of views—to attract investment in green industries and sustainable agriculture. In a nation where youth unemployment lingers at 13%, such initiatives could inspire entrepreneurial ventures while countering stereotypes of Africa.
Public response has been largely positive, though not without debate. Critics, however, question the equity, arguing that diplomatic privileges should prioritize formal envoys amid budget constraints. Rights groups like the Media Foundation for West Africa endorse the approach, provided it doesn’t blur lines between state and private influence.
