Ghanaian travel vlogger and globally recognised YouTube personality, Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, popularly known as Wode Maya, has revealed that he finances every aspect of his content creation, from production costs to travel and staffing, entirely out of his own pocket.

Speaking on PrimeTime with George Quaye on Joy Prime on Thursday, 10 October, Wode Maya opened up about the self-funded nature of his work, which continues even after being honoured with a diplomatic passport by the Government of Ghana, a gesture recognising his efforts in promoting the nation and the African continent at large.

“I fund everything that I do, including my team. I literally do everything by myself,” he told host George Quaye.

The vlogger, who has amassed a large following through his uplifting portrayal of African innovation, culture, and entrepreneurship, shared that his income is generated exclusively through the monetisation of his digital platforms chiefly YouTube and reinvested into his work.

“All my platforms are monetised and that is the money that we use to travel,” he explained.
“Do you know it is more expensive to travel in Africa than in every part of the world?”

• Read also: ‘I never thought a village boy like me would be holding a diplomatic passport’, Wode Maya thanks Ghana

He further added that part of his approach includes reposting previously successful videos to ensure a consistent revenue stream, which helps sustain his team’s operations and frequent travel across the continent.

“The videos that we make, they generate income and we use the money to travel.”

Though recently awarded a diplomatic passport, a prestigious recognition often reserved for individuals representing the country on an international stage, Wode Maya made clear that this honour does not come with financial assistance.

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.