Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued diplomatic passports to five high-profile Ghanaians in recognition of their work promoting the country and pan-African cohesion abroad.
The beneficiaries visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, travel vlogger Wode Maya (Kobina “Wode Maya” Ackon), reggae artist Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, and entrepreneur Akosua “Dentaa” Amoateng MBE were honoured during a media launch for the upcoming Diaspora Summit 2025 and named envoys for the event.
Why the diplomatic passports matter
The passports were presented as both a practical and symbolic gesture. Practically, diplomatic passports facilitate official travel and representation, easing consular processes for multi-country engagement tied to public diplomacy and summit participation.
Symbolically, awarding them to cultural figures signals Ghana’s intention to use soft power art, music, media and diaspora networks to promote the country and African unity globally.
Profiles of the Five Honorees
Ibrahim Mahama — Artist and Cultural Institution Builder
Ibrahim Mahama is a Tamale-born contemporary artist known for monumental installations made from repurposed materials, notably jute sacks. He has exhibited internationally, including at the Venice Biennale, and founded institutions in northern Ghana such as the Savannah Centre for Contemporary Art and Red Clay Studio.
His appointment recognises his global cultural profile and his contribution to building Ghana’s art infrastructure.
Wode Maya (Kobina Ackon) — Travel Vlogger & African Advocate
Wode Maya is one of Africa’s most influential travel vloggers, creating content that spotlights African destinations and stories. He has campaigned for freer intra-Africa movement and frequently highlights visa and travel access issues that affect Africans. The passport recognises his role in amplifying Ghana and African tourism to global audiences.
Rocky Dawuni — Musician and Activist
Rocky Dawuni is an internationally touring Ghanaian singer-songwriter and activist, known for an “Afro-Roots” sound blending reggae, highlife and Afrobeat. A multiple Grammy nominee, he has long tied his music to cultural diplomacy and peace and environmental advocacy.
Anita Erskine — Broadcaster and Media Entrepreneur
Anita Erskine is a seasoned Ghanaian broadcaster, TV and radio presenter and communications entrepreneur with decades of hosting and philanthropy-minded media projects. She is widely recognised for her role in shaping Ghana’s media representation abroad.
Dentaa Amoateng — Diaspora Entrepreneur and GUBA Founder
Akosua Dentaa Amoateng, MBE, is the founder of the GUBA (Ghana UK-Based Achievements) Awards and a leading diaspora engagement figure.
Her work bridges Ghana and the UK diaspora, making her a natural choice as a summit envoy and holder of a diplomatic passport.
