Accra: Mr. Samuel Okudjeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, has defended the government’s decision to issue diplomatic passports to selected creative industry personalities, describing the move as both patriotic and a smart investment in cultural diplomacy. Speaking at a ceremony in Accra where five celebrated Ghanaians officially received their passports, Mr. Ablakwa said the initiative was not politically motivated nor a result of lobbying, but a deliberate recognition of citizens who have significantly projected the image of Ghana across the world.
According to Ghana News Agency, Mr. Ablakwa stated, ‘This is entirely a country saying it is time to honour our heroes. None of them applied for it, none lobbied for it, and no political or partisan consideration was involved. This is about Ghana, about our red, gold, green and the Black Star, and about how these distinguished compatriots continue to lift our flag high globally.’ The five recipients; reggae icon Rocky Dawuni, vlogger Wode Maya, broadcaster Anita Erskine, visual artist Ibrahim Mahama, and entrepreneur Lady Dentaa Amoateng, were honoured for their consistent contributions in showcasing Ghana internationally.
Mr. Ablakwa stressed that the gesture should not be seen as an open-ended expansion of access to diplomatic passports, but as a carefully considered move aligned with international practice. ‘Diplomatic passports are not issued like confetti. They are rare and highly protected travel documents. We cannot flood the system, because the privileges and immunities they carry depend on their integrity. What we are doing is broadening recognition in a measured way while protecting the value of the passport,’ he explained.
The Minister highlighted how many creatives had in the past struggled to honour international invitations due to visa bottlenecks, sometimes missing opportunities to represent Ghana at major events. With diplomatic passports, he said, such barriers would be reduced, adding that ‘This is not just symbolic. It will make their work easier and allow them to perform their roles as cultural ambassadors more effectively.’
He also pointed out the cost-saving dimension of the initiative, noting that the work of creatives often achieved for Ghana what would otherwise require millions of dollars in media placements or lobbying fees. ‘If you look at how much global media houses or lobby firms charge to project a country, the cost runs into millions of dollars. Yet Ghana has been blessed with individuals like Rocky Dawuni, Wode Maya, Anita Erskine, Ibrahim Mahama, and Lady Dentaa, who are already doing it with passion. Why not honour them and facilitate their work?’ he asked.
Madam Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts Minister, lauded the recipients as ‘torchbearers’ for Ghana’s creative community. She urged them to use the recognition as further motivation to deepen their work, adding that, ‘We may not have the best infrastructure, but we have the best of creatives. You represent that space. Go and make us proud. Continue lifting the flag of Ghana high,’ she said.
Madam Gomashie also reflected on the personal journeys of the recipients, from Rocky Dawuni’s global music to Wode Maya’s digital storytelling, Anita Erskine’s mastery of languages, Ibrahim Mahama’s innovative art installations, and Lady Dentaa’s mobilising of the diaspora. ‘Each of you is an inspiration. Bring along others, because the sky has enough room for many more,’ she added.
On behalf of the recipients, Ms. Anita Erskine expressed deep gratitude to the government for what she called a historic and humbling moment. ‘Giving this to us is easy, but deciding to do it was difficult, because it comes with so many questions. We see this as a call to work even harder. These passports are not ours as individuals; they belong to the nation,’ she said.
Ms. Erskine paid tribute to her fellow recipients and acknowledged earlier generations of creatives who laid the groundwork without such recognition. ‘Before us, there were those who did not have the access we have today. We stand on their shoulders, and this moment is a testament to what it means to be in the creative arts,’ she remarked.