Ghanaian travel vlogger and YouTube sensation, Wode Maya, has expressed his heartfelt gratitude after being honoured with a diplomatic passport by the Government of Ghana.

The popular content creator, whose real name is Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, received the passport alongside four other prominent Ghanaians at a ceremony led by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on Tuesday, September 17.

The gesture is part of Ghana’s push to strengthen cultural and people-to-people diplomacy, empowering influential citizens to serve as global ambassadors for the country.

Taking to his Facebook page shortly after the event, Wode Maya shared his excitement and disbelief, calling the moment a dream come true.

“We’ve been on this incredible journey showcasing Ghana and the African continent to the world, and never in my wildest dreams did I think a proud village boy like me would be holding a Diplomatic Passport,” he wrote.

A New Role for Ghana’s Cultural Icons

Wode Maya was honoured alongside Grammy-nominated reggae musician Rocky Dawuni, broadcasting powerhouse Anita Erskine, renowned visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur and GUBA Awards founder Dentaa Amoateng MBE.

Speaking at the event, Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa explained that the recipients were chosen because of their international influence and consistent efforts to promote Ghana and African culture on the global stage. The diplomatic passports will enable them to travel more freely and represent Ghana in initiatives involving trade, tourism, culture, and international collaboration.

Who the Recipients Are

Wode Maya – A former aeronautical engineering student turned content creator, Maya has built one of Africa’s biggest travel and lifestyle YouTube channels, showcasing the continent’s beauty, potential, and entrepreneurial spirit.

Rocky Dawuni – A globally recognised musician and activist whose work promotes peace, culture, and environmental sustainability.

Anita Erskine – A celebrated broadcaster and advocate for women and youth empowerment, with a strong pan-African footprint.

Ibrahim Mahama – A world-renowned contemporary artist from Tamale, known for large-scale installations that tackle themes of labour and history.

Dentaa Amoateng MBE – A British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and founder of the GUBA Awards, which celebrates the achievements of Ghanaians and Africans in the diaspora.

Wode Maya’s Journey: From Village Boy to Global Ambassador

Wode Maya’s story has inspired millions across Africa and beyond. Raised in a small Ghanaian village, he pursued education in China before leaving behind a potential engineering career to tell Africa’s stories through digital media. His videos — which highlight African innovation, tourism, and everyday life — have attracted a massive international following.

His appointment as a cultural envoy reflects the growing recognition of digital creators as vital players in global diplomacy and cultural exchange.

The Bigger Picture

This move signals Ghana’s innovative approach to foreign relations. By empowering prominent cultural figures with diplomatic status, the country hopes to expand its reach, promote tourism and investment, and build bridges with the diaspora.

For Wode Maya, the honour is both personal and symbolic — a validation of years spent showcasing Ghana and Africa to the world.

As he humorously declared to his followers, the village boy has now become “His Excellency.”

The Ghanaian content creator 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.