Five notable Ghanaians have received diplomatic passports from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) in honour of their outstanding efforts to enhancing Ghana’s reputation abroad.
The honourees include British-Ghanaian entrepreneur Dentaa Amoateng, broadcaster and entrepreneur Anita Erskine, modern visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, Grammy-nominated reggae performer Rocky Dawuni, and travel video blogger Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, also known as Wode Maya.
On Wednesday, October 1, 2025, they were given their passports in a short ceremony in Accra. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ambassador Kadidja Iddrisu, the Acting Chief Director of the MFA, and Dzifa Abla Gomashie, the Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts, were all present at the ceremony.
Initially, the five honourees under NLCD 155 were confirmed by the MFA in partnership with the Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs during the opening of the 2025 Diaspora Summit on September 17.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasised that the procedure was impartial and free from partisan, political, or lobbying influences.“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 saying it is time to honour our heroes,” he stated.
He further emphasised: “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.”
The Minister added that the initiative is only the beginning, with plans to recognise more individuals in the future. “We want to send a clear message that diplomatic passports are not only for politicians, chiefs, pastors, or diplomats. We can broaden it when we see that you are truly promoting our country,” he explained.
Despite Ghana’s infrastructure issues, Minister of Tourism, Culture, and Creative Arts Dzifa Abla Gomashie encouraged the honourees to keep using their platforms to promote the country’s potential in the areas of culture, the arts, and tourism in her virtual remarks. According to her, the passports represented a collective obligation to further Ghana’s interests internationally.
Anita Erskine, speaking on behalf of the recipients, thanked the government for the honour. She commended the distinctive contributions of her fellow honourees, characterising Dentaa Amoateng’s diaspora participation, Ibrahim Mahama’s inventive art, Rocky Dawuni’s music, and Wode Maya’s travels as potent instruments of national promotion.
The diplomatic passports, Ms. Erskine emphasised, symbolised more than just individual recognition. She declared, “They belong to the nation,” and promised that the honourees will keep showcasing Ghana’s brilliance and encouraging the next generation to follow their dreams.
