Wode Maya Urges African Unity Through Trade, Warns Against Foreign Exploitation
Renowned Ghanaian vlogger and digital storyteller, Wode Maya has called on African nations to strengthen unity by trading among themselves instead of depending on foreign aid and external powers. Known for his impactful video documentaries that highlight positive African stories Wode Maya believes it is time for Africans to take their destiny into their own hands.
Speaking passionately in a recent video, he said, It’s about time for you to start trading with each other. It’s about time for us to put our differences and tribal stuff aside. We should put our political affiliation aside come together and build Africa.
Wode Maya whose real name is Kobina Ackon did not specify the context or location of the video but his message was clear: Africa’s greatest enemy is not within but outside. According to him, foreign powers continue to benefit from Africa’s natural wealth while offering little in return.
“These nations are only after Africa’s natural resources. Africans must wake up and stop placing their trust in foreign powers that exploit rather than empower, he said, adding, Africa can only be built by Africans. Don’t let anyone lie to you! China is not your friend, Russia is not your friend. Europeans are not your friends.
The celebrated vlogger, who has travelled across the continent to showcase inspiring African stories, believes that the key to Africa’s development lies in unity, collaboration, and intra-African trade. He insists that progress will only be possible when Africans start trusting and supporting each other.
Despite his firm stance on foreign exploitation Wode Maya was recently honoured by a Caribbean nation that appreciates his work. Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. (BTMI) recognized the YouTuber for shining a positive light on their country through his platform.
The recognition took place during a We Gatherin’ ceremony hosted by the Barbados High Commission in Ghana, where Wode Maya was presented with a special painting to acknowledge his influence and contribution to storytelling.
Barbados High Commissioner, Juliette Bynoe-Sutherland, who personally expressed her admiration for Wode Maya’s work, revealed that she became a fan after watching one of his videos about a Kenyan woman who built 200 houses. She praised his authentic storytelling and the way he connects with the people and places he features.
We gather here because there is one among us who saw our nation and in our people a reflection of his proud Ghanaian heritage, and he made the determination to make an impact,” the High Commissioner said.
Wode Maya took to Instagram to express his heartfelt appreciation for the honour. He wrote:
I’m deeply humbled and overwhelmed with gratitude to Barbados and the entire Barbados Tourism Marketing Inc. for honouring me in such a grand and unforgettable way. In my over a decade of creating content and passionately projecting Africa to the world, I have never experienced such a warm, thoughtful, and spectacular gesture.”
To receive this level of recognition from a nation on the other side of the Atlantic – so far from home yet so close in spirit – means more than words can express. Your love, hospitality and appreciation have touched me deeply, and I will forever cherish this incredible moment.”
Wode Maya, who has over a million followers on YouTube, is best known for highlighting stories that challenge stereotypes about Africa and celebrate African innovation, entrepreneurship and resilience.
His recent message is a strong reminder of the importance of African unity and the need to take ownership of the continent’s development journey.