Popular Ghanaian travel vlogger Wode Maya has disclosed that he was named after a German man called Berthold Winkler, who was a friend of his father.

Speaking on Prime Time, Wode Maya revealed that although many know him by his native name Kobina Ackon, that name does not appear on his official documents. Instead, he uses “Berthold Winkler”, the name given to him by his parents in honour of his father’s German friend, who was also the owner of Ghana Manganese.

He explained that when he began creating content, he used his official name before adopting the moniker Wode Maya, which means “I love my mum” in Mandarin.

The YouTuber, who has built a strong reputation in travel, tourism and storytelling, said vlogging was never part of his original career plan.

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

He recounted that his passion for video creation began while studying aviation engineering in China. “It started like a joke. I just wanted to find something to do while I was studying aviation engineering in China,” he said.

According to him, his father initially disapproved of his decision to focus on comedy videos instead of his academic work, but later gave him his full support.

“What I’m doing right now is literally my father’s idea. He gave me his blessings to continue because my father loved the continent so much. But he was a man of God, he could only preach the word of God, not about Africa. So, I decided to take the mantle from him,” Wode Maya shared.

Today, Wode Maya is regarded as one of Africa’s most influential digital creators, using his platform to promote positive African stories and inspire young people across the continent.