Five celebrated Ghanaians in the creative industry have officially received diplomatic passports from the Government of Ghana, marking a historic recognition of their contributions to the nation’s global image.
The symbolic gesture, carried out by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in collaboration with the Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, marks a significant broadening of the scope of those deemed worthy of the nation’s highest category of travel document.
Mr. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister, at a brief but spirited ceremony, on behalf of President John Dramani Mahama, presented the passports to reggae star Rocky Dawuni, YouTuber Wode Maya, multilingual broadcaster Anita Erskine, celebrated artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur and diaspora advocate Lady Dentaa Amoateng.
The presentation, which followed an earlier announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is a renewed commitment by government to extend recognition to leading figures in the creative sector, highlighting their role in projecting Ghana internationally alongside the traditional holders of the nation’s highest-level travel document.
Mr. Ablakwa explained that the initiative was informed by the immense role creatives had played in marketing Ghana internationally.
“We have honoured politicians, diplomats, eminent chiefs, and clergy in the past. But we realised our colleagues in the creative space are also promoting Ghana, perhaps even more effectively in some respects. That is why today, we are honouring you with diplomatic passports,” he said.
The Minister stressed that the recipients neither applied for nor lobbied for the recognition, and that, “This is entirely a country saying it is time to honour our heroes. There was no political consideration, no partisan colour. It is purely about Ghana, the flag, and the image of our nation.”
Mr. Ablakwa recalled the challenges many Ghanaian creatives faced in securing visas for international engagements, which sometimes denied them opportunities to showcase Ghana.
He said the diplomatic passports would ease such hurdles and allow recipients to continue their work as cultural ambassadors without unnecessary travel restrictions.
“This is not just an honour but a facilitation. With these passports, you can ply your trade across the world with fewer bottlenecks, and in doing so, project Ghana’s image more effectively,” he added.
He assured that while the government would continue issuing diplomatic passports to traditional categories, it would also remain open to broadening the list gradually, provided the integrity of the document was protected.
“Diplomatic passports are not issued like confetti. We will not open the floodgates. But we must celebrate those who have lifted our flag high,” he stressed.
Mr. Ablakwa said reforms at the Passport Office aimed at making passport acquisition more efficient, announced that by December this year, every region in Ghana would have a passport application centre, with the first of the new facilities set to be inaugurated in Bolgatanga this month.
He noted that Ghanaians were now receiving passports faster than ever, with courier delivery easing access across the country.
The Minister linked the diplomatic passport presentation to the upcoming Diaspora Summit scheduled for December 19 – 20 in Accra, which is expected to attract prominent participants from the Caribbean, North America, and beyond, calling on the recipients to play vital roles in projecting Ghana during the summit.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, commended the honourees, describing them as torchbearers of Ghanaian identity.
“We may not have the best infrastructure, but we have the best of creatives. Each of you is an inspiration. You carry Ghana with you everywhere you go, and you make us proud,” she said.
She urged them to continue using their talents to project Ghana, adding that their recognition also symbolised hope for the broader creative industry.
The tourism minister remarked, “This is not just for you, but for all creatives who dream of changing the narrative of our country through art, culture, and innovation.”
Ms. Anita Erskine, on behalf of the recipients, expressed deep gratitude to the Government for the honour, saying: “These are not individual passports. They belong to the nation. We see this as a call to work even harder to represent Ghana wherever we go.”
She celebrated her fellow honourees for their distinct contributions, noting that each of them had consistently embodied Ghana’s values on the world stage.
“Whether it is Wode Maya daring the wild, Lady Dentaa mobilising the diaspora, Ibrahim transforming discarded materials into masterpieces, or Rocky using music to inspire global unity, they each redefine what it means to be Ghanaian,” she said.
She also acknowledged the sacrifices of earlier generations of creatives who paved the way without such recognition.
“Before us, there were those who did not have the access we have today, including Dzifa Gomashie. We stand on their shoulders, and this moment is a testament to the power of perseverance in the arts,” she added.
GNA
