–Ghanaian Pan-African Content Creator Receives Special Presidential Pin After Week-Long Visit That Cast Liberia in a New Global Light
REHAB, Paynesville – President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr. on Thursday formally honored renowned Ghanaian Pan-African travel content creator Berthold Kobina Ackon, popularly known as Wode Maya, in recognition of his role in promoting Liberia during the country’s 179th Independence Day celebrations and introducing millions of viewers worldwide to a different narrative about the West African nation.
The recognition came during a breakfast meeting at the President’s Rehab Residence, where Boakai presented Wode Maya with a Special Presidential Pin as a symbol of national appreciation for using his influential digital platforms to showcase Liberia’s tourism, culture, history and hospitality to a global audience.
Also honored at the ceremony was Mr. Jenkins S. Nyuma, Chief Executive Officer of The Gathering Group, for his contributions to promoting Liberia during the Independence celebrations.
The meeting, attended by Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA) Director General Princess Eva Cooper, Deputy Director General for Marketing and Promotions Jani Jallah Kollie, Wode Maya and Jenkins Nyuma, focused on expanding Liberia’s tourism, cultural and investment profile through strategic partnerships and digital storytelling.
From Social Media Invitation to Presidential Recognition
The breakfast meeting followed excitement across social media after Wode Maya revealed on Thursday that President Boakai had personally invited him to breakfast.
The announcement quickly generated widespread public interest, with many Liberians applauding what they saw as official recognition of a digital creator whose videos have significantly boosted Liberia’s international visibility over the past week.
Thursday’s ceremony transformed what initially appeared to be a courtesy meeting into an official state recognition of Wode Maya’s contribution to national branding and tourism promotion.
President Praises Positive Storytelling
During the meeting, President Boakai expressed appreciation to Wode Maya for choosing to present Liberia through the lens of opportunity rather than stereotypes.
The President commended the Ghanaian content creator for traveling across the country and highlighting Liberia’s unique attractions, untold stories and welcoming people to millions of followers across Africa and around the world.
Presenting the Special Presidential Pin, Boakai acknowledged that positive digital storytelling has become an increasingly powerful tool for strengthening Liberia’s international image, attracting tourism and encouraging investment.
The discussion also explored opportunities for deeper collaboration between government institutions and digital content creators to further market Liberia as an emerging destination for tourism, culture and business.
“Liberia Deserves a Different Narrative”
Receiving the honor, Wode Maya thanked President Boakai for the recognition and described Liberia as a country blessed with remarkable history, breathtaking natural attractions and extraordinary hospitality.
He said his visit had given him an opportunity to present a different story about Liberia—one centered on its beauty, resilience and investment potential rather than the conflict narratives that have often defined international perceptions of the country.
According to Wode Maya, Liberia possesses enormous untapped tourism assets that deserve greater continental and global attention.
His remarks echoed the central theme running through his week-long visit: that Africa should tell its own stories through authentic voices capable of highlighting the continent’s opportunities alongside its challenges.
A Week That Changed Perceptions
Over the past week, Wode Maya traveled extensively across Liberia, documenting the country’s beaches, communities, historical landmarks, businesses, local cuisine and everyday life through his signature storytelling style.
Rather than focusing on Liberia’s difficult past, his videos celebrated the country’s natural beauty, entrepreneurial spirit and cultural richness.
His content quickly gained traction across YouTube, Facebook and other social media platforms, attracting hundreds of thousands of views and sparking conversations among audiences throughout Africa, Europe and North America.
Many Liberians welcomed the coverage, saying it portrayed a side of their country that is rarely seen in international media.
Tourism advocates and members of the business community also praised the exposure, arguing that authentic digital storytelling from trusted African creators can serve as one of the country’s most effective forms of destination marketing.
Digital Storytelling Meets National Development
The recognition of Wode Maya comes as the Boakai administration continues to emphasize tourism, investment promotion and cultural diplomacy as important pillars of Liberia’s economic transformation agenda.
Government officials have increasingly highlighted the role of tourism in creating jobs, supporting local businesses and strengthening Liberia’s international competitiveness.
By honoring one of Africa’s most influential travel content creators, the administration signaled its appreciation for the growing role that digital platforms play in shaping global perceptions and influencing travel and investment decisions.
With millions of followers across multiple platforms, Wode Maya has built a reputation for challenging outdated narratives about Africa by documenting stories of innovation, entrepreneurship, culture and development across the continent.
His visit to Liberia—and the recognition he received from President Boakai—underscores the country’s effort to reposition itself as a destination defined not by its past, but by its potential.
For many observers, Thursday’s breakfast meeting represented more than a ceremonial event. It reflected a growing partnership between government and Africa’s digital storytellers in promoting a more confident, authentic and investment-friendly image of Liberia to the world.
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