Rocky Dawuni Honoured with Diplomatic Passport by Foreign Affairs Minister Ablakwa

Renowned Ghanaian artist Rocky Dawuni has officially received a diplomatic passport from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, under the leadership of Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The gesture is part of a broader recognition of creatives whose work promotes Ghana’s image globally. Minister Ablakwa said the passports will support their contribution to cultural diplomacy, ahead of key international engagements.

Diplomatic passports are not just travel documents; they are symbols of national recognition and soft power. Granting them to cultural figures like Rocky Dawuni acknowledges the important role the arts play in shaping national identity, enhancing global cultural exchange, and strengthening Ghana’s presence on the international stage.

On September 17, 2025, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, presented a diplomatic passport to Rocky Dawuni along with four other distinguished Ghanaians.

The recipients included Wode Maya, Anita Erskine, Ibrahim Mahama, and Dentaa Amoateng MBE, all honoured for their exceptional efforts in projecting Ghana’s reputation abroad.

The presentation took place during the Media Launch of the 2025 Diaspora Summit, organized jointly by the Office of the President – Diaspora Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Minister Ablakwa praised the creatives, describing them as “extraordinary patriots” whose international influence enhances Ghana’s image.

In his remarks, he noted that the decision to grant the passports was driven by national interest and not partisan considerations.

He also linked the move to the upcoming 2025 Diaspora Summit (scheduled for December), emphasizing that these passports would empower recipients to engage more freely and effectively in global representation.

Under NLCD 155 (the Passports and Travel Certificates Act, 1967), diplomatic passports are restricted to those who meet specific eligibility criteria. Granting these passports to creatives reflects an expanding view of what constitutes national service—beyond government or diplomatic corps.

The decision comes amidst broader reforms in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, including efforts to make passport services more efficient and accessible nationwide.

This move underlines Ghana’s increasing recognition of cultural leadership as part of its diplomatic strategy. Rocky Dawuni’s diplomatic passport is more than a functional document—it’s an affirmation that creativity, advocacy, and cultural influence are central to the country’s global identity.

If backed by consistent policy, this trend could encourage more artists and creatives to engage in civic diplomacy, leveraging their platforms to foster international cooperation, promote Ghanaian culture, and open up new opportunities for cultural exports.