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Five distinguished Ghanaians, including YouTuber Wode Maya and media personality Anita Erskine, are set to be issued diplomatic passports as part of a state initiative to promote African unity and integration.
The announcement was made by the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who explained that the honorees have significantly advanced the unity of African people globally through their work in media, arts, and philanthropy.
The recipients, Wode Maya, Anita Erskine, Denta Amoateng, Grammy-nominated musician Rocky Dawuni, and contemporary artist Ibrahim Mahama, will also serve as ambassadors for the 2025 Diaspora Summit scheduled to take place in Ghana from December 17 to 20.
Diplomatic passports are typically reserved for government officials and diplomats on state assignments, granting holders certain privileges and exemptions during international travel. By extending them to these cultural figures, the government hopes to leverage their influence in strengthening African cohesion, cultural exchange, and global integration.
The move follows a recent decision by the new National Democratic Congress (NDC) administration to recall all diplomatic passports issued under the previous government. The recall, according to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, was to streamline eligibility and restore confidence in the issuance process.
Officials say this new recognition reflects the government’s commitment to harnessing the power of culture, media, and the diaspora to advance Africa’s image and unity on the world stage.
