The Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) has given a special recognition to Ghanaian travel vlogger Wode Maya for shining some light on their country.

Barbados Today reports that Wode (real name Kobina Ackon), was honoured with a special painting a few weeks ago at a We Gatherin’ ceremony hosted by the Barbados High Commission in Ghana.

High Commissioner Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland declared herself one of Wode Maya’s supporters. She said around three years ago, she first saw one of his videos about a Kenyan woman who built 200 houses. She was so inspired by the story and his unique and authentic way of telling it that she subsequently liked and subscribed to his channel.

“We gather here because there is one among us who saw our nation and in our people a reflection of his proud Ghanaian heritage, and he made the determination to make an impact,” she said.

Wode Maya took to his Instagram page to express his appreciation of the gesture.

“I’m deeply humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to Barbados and the entire Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc for honouring me in such a grand and unforgettable way. In my over a decade of creating content and passionately projecting Africa to the world, I have never experienced such a warm, thoughtful, and spectacular gesture.

To receive this level of recognition from a nation on the other side of the Atlantic – so far from home yet so close in spirit – means more than words can express. Your love, hospitality and appreciation have touched me deeply, and I will forever cherish this incredible moment. Thank you, Barbados, for embracing me like one of your own. This is more than an honour -it’s a reminder that the stories we tell and the bridges we build truly matter. Much love and respect always,” he wrote.

Wode Maya is famed for his revealing and educative video documentaries about people and places across the world.