Ghanaian YouTuber and travel vlogger Wode Maya has earned a new and unexpected title—“His Excellency.” The popular content creator expressed joy and humour after being presented with a diplomatic passport by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, September 17.
In an Instagram post, the globally acclaimed storyteller described the recognition as a dream come true. He reflected on his rise from a self-described “village boy” to one of Africa’s most influential digital voices, showcasing Ghana and the wider continent to millions of followers worldwide.
“We’ve been on this incredible journey showcasing Ghana and the African continent to the world, and never in my wildest dreams did I think a proud village boy like me would be holding a diplomatic passport. I’m truly humbled and deeply grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana,” he wrote.
True to his humorous style, Wode Maya teased his fans with a lighthearted request: “From today, don’t just call me Maya—call me His Excellency. If you see me at the airport, please—no more ‘bro, bro’… it’s now ‘Your Excellency, Maya’,” he joked, punctuating the message with laughter emojis.
Wode Maya was one of five distinguished Ghanaians honoured at the official media launch of the 2025 Diaspora Summit in Accra. The other recipients were Dentaa Amoateng MBE, Grammy-nominated reggae star Rocky Dawuni, broadcaster Anita Erskine, and celebrated artist Ibrahim Mahama.
According to the Ministry, the diplomatic passports acknowledge their outstanding contributions in promoting Ghana and Africa on the global stage. The five honourees will also serve as ambassadors for the upcoming Diaspora Summit, scheduled for December 19–20, 2025.
The recognition positions Wode Maya and his peers as cultural envoys, tasked with strengthening international networks, boosting tourism, and amplifying Africa’s positive image worldwide.
