Ghanaian travel vlogger and YouTube sensation, Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, popularly known as Wode Maya, has revealed how his late father’s passion for Africa ultimately shaped his unexpected career path despite initial resistance.

Speaking on PrimeTime with George Quaye on Joy Prime on Thursday, 10 October, Wode Maya recounted how his original ambition was to become an aviation engineer.

“I’ve always wanted to be an aviation engineer,” he explained. “What I’m doing right now was nowhere part of my plans for the future, but it was more like a calling.”

His journey into the world of digital content began somewhat by chance while studying in China, where he had constant access to the internet.

“I was just doing my research how can I use this internet that I have wisely?” he said. “That’s how I discovered YouTube and started making videos.”

However, his early efforts, especially in comedy, were met with criticism, including from close friends. “They told me I wasn’t funny, and that’s one of the reasons I moved away from comedy,” he admitted.

Wode Maya also shared that his father initially disapproved of his video-making, urging him to focus on his engineering studies instead.

“My father got angry with me for doing comedy videos instead of focusing on engineering,” he recalled.

Yet, the vlogger says that his current work is deeply rooted in his father’s vision and blessing.

“What I’m doing now is literally my father’s idea,” he said. “He loved the continent so much but was a man of God he could only preach the word of God, not preach about Africa. So I decided to take the mantle from there.”

Wode Maya proudly noted his academic achievements, adding, “I graduated with a first class, by the way. At my university, I was actually top ten. I even did my thesis in Chinese.”

Today, Wode Maya is internationally recognised for his inspiring travel content that showcases Africa’s richness and potential, fulfilling a mission that began with his father’s love for the continent.

Wode Maya has reached a significant milestone on Facebook with approximately 3 million followers, while his YouTube channel now boasts close to 1.85 million subscribers.

Recently, he was honoured with a diplomatic passport by the Government of Ghana for his efforts in promoting Ghana and Africa to a global audience.