Social Media For Nation Building
From Aeronautical Engineering to Full-Time Vlogging
Berthold Kobby Winkler Ackon, known globally as Wode Maya, began his professional life on a path far removed from a camera lens. He earned a first-class honors degree in Aeronautical Engineering from Shenyang Aerospace University in China. However, after just eight months in a corporate engineering role he described as a “rat race,” he made a pivotal decision.
He quit his job to pursue blogging full-time, driven by a desire to control his own narrative and challenge the stereotypes about Africans he encountered firsthand during his studies. This leap of faith from a structured technical field into the unpredictable world of content creation marked the start of an extraordinary journey to reshape how Africa is seen.
A Mission to Showcase Africa’s True Diversity
Wode Maya’s channel evolved from personal vlogs in China into a dedicated mission to tell positive African stories. He has traveled to over 30 countries across the continent, from the snowy highlands of Lesotho to the rock-hewn churches of Ethiopia, showcasing its breathtaking diversity.
His “Africa to the World” project highlights not just landscapes, but people, interviewing entrepreneurs, presidents, and local artisans. He consciously avoids brand partnerships to maintain what he calls “full creative freedom,” telling host Bola Ray on Starr Chat, “I’m very scared working with brands, because a brand will filter
Building a $100k Monthly Platform with Real-World Impact
The success of his authentic approach is not just measured in views, but in tangible impact. On Starr Chat, Wode Maya revealed the significant financial potential of his work, stating, “Sometimes up to $100,000… though not regularly. On average, the consistent range is around $50,000”.
He explained that income comes directly from platforms where he posts content, like YouTube and Facebook, noting that even a single photo he posted earned $121. Beyond personal earnings, his platform drives real-world change; he has partnered with national tourism authorities in Ghana and Sierra Leone, and his features on local businesses provide them with unprecedented international exposure.
The Soft-Power Ambassador Reshaping Africa’s Image
Wode Maya’s work has been recognized as a powerful form of modern cultural diplomacy. By consistently presenting a nuanced, proud, and diverse portrait of Africa, he acts as a soft-power ambassador. His narratives deliberately counter outdated stereotypes, emphasizing that “colonial histories, conflict, and poverty do not define the entire continent”.
This dedicated service to shifting the global narrative culminated in a high state honor on September 17, 2025, when Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, presented him with a diplomatic passport. This act formally recognized his role in promoting Ghana and Africa’s image globally.
A Diplomatic Passport and a New Era of State Recognition
The conferment of the diplomatic passport is more than a personal accolade; it symbolizes a government embracing a new generation of diplomats. Wode Maya was one of five distinguished Ghanaian from the creative sector to receive this honor.
It acknowledges that influence in the digital age extends beyond traditional politics and that compelling storytelling is a critical tool for national image-building and fostering international goodwill. This official validation bridges the gap between digital grassroots influence and state-level recognition, setting a precedent for how nations can leverage the power of authentic content creators.
A Blueprint for the Next Generation of African Creators
Looking forward, Wode Maya’s journey from engineer to influencer to cultural diplomat offers a powerful blueprint. He actively champions the potential of social media to Ghanaian youth, urging them to see it as a viable career path in a challenging job market.
His story proves that with consistency, authenticity, and strategic focus, a personal passion can evolve into a profession that not only provides substantial income but also serves a larger national and continental purpose. In Wode Maya, Africa has found one of its most effective modern storytellers, a “lion,” as one analysis noted, finally writing his own story for the world to see.
