Ablakwa explains why Ibrahim Mahama, Wode Maya, Rocky Dawuni, Dentaa and Anita Erskine were given diplomatic passports

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has honoured five distinguished Ghanaians with diplomatic passports in recognition of their outstanding efforts in promoting Ghana’s image on the global stage.

The recipients are celebrated travel vlogger Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, widely known as Wode Maya; Grammy-nominated reggae musician Rocky Dawuni; broadcaster and entrepreneur Anita Erskine; internationally acclaimed contemporary visual artist Ibrahim Mahama; and British-Ghanaian entrepreneur and diaspora advocate Dentaa Amoateng.

The honourees received their passports at a brief ceremony in Accra on Wednesday, October 1, 2025. The event was attended by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Acting Chief Director of the MFA, Ambassador Kadidja Iddrisu, and virtually joined by the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Dzifa Abla Gomashie.

The announcement of the awards was first made at the launch of the 2025 Diaspora Summit on September 17. Mr. Ablakwa explained that the honours were in line with NLCD 155 and were based purely on merit.

“None of our distinguished Ghanaians receiving these diplomatic passports applied for it. They did not lobby for it and they did not initiate the process. This is entirely a country that says it is time to honour our heroes,” he stated.

He further stressed that the gesture was free of any political or partisan influence. “We want to also state that there was no political or partisan consideration at all. We have not asked anybody to show us a party card. We are not interested in that because this is about Ghana. It's about the flag of Ghana. It's about the image of our country. You have made us so proud across all regimes,” he added.

Mr. Ablakwa noted that the initiative was only the beginning, as more individuals who distinguish themselves as global ambassadors for Ghana would also be recognised. “We want to send a clear message that diplomatic passports are not only for the politicians or for our revered chiefs or pastors or diplomats, but we can broaden it when we see that you are really promoting our country,” he said.

In her remarks, Madam Dzifa Gomashie commended the honourees for their dedication to showcasing Ghana’s culture, arts, and tourism potential. She urged them to continue using their platforms to promote the country despite challenges with infrastructure, emphasising that the passports symbolised a shared duty to advance Ghana’s interests worldwide.

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Anita Erskine expressed gratitude to the government for the recognition. She highlighted the impact of her fellow awardees, describing Wode Maya’s global adventures, Rocky Dawuni’s music, Ibrahim Mahama’s groundbreaking art, and Dentaa Amoateng’s work in diaspora engagement as powerful expressions of national pride.

Ms. Erskine emphasised that the recognition extended beyond personal achievement. “They belong to the nation,” she said of the passports, pledging that the honourees would continue to project Ghana’s greatness and inspire the next generation.