Ghanaian content creator and popular YouTube personality, Wode Maya, has recounted an emotional encounter with President John Dramani Mahama during his visit to Moscow, Russia, for the Russia-Africa Summit.
The celebrated African storyteller said he was deeply touched when President Mahama rose from his seat to give him a warm embrace after he joined a meeting between the President and members of the Ghanaian diaspora in Russia.
Wode Maya, who shared the experience on his social media platforms, described the encounter as a memorable moment that reminded him of his remarkable journey from a young man with a camera and a dream to becoming one of Africa’s most recognised digital storytellers.
According to him, he was attending the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow when he learnt that President Mahama was scheduled to interact with members of the Ghanaian community living in Russia.
He said upon hearing about the meeting, he decided to join the gathering, where he received an unexpected but heartwarming reception.
Wode Maya disclosed that immediately he arrived at the venue, some of the people present announced his arrival to the President with the words, “Wode Maya is here!”
What followed, he said, was an emotional gesture from the President, who immediately stood up from his seat and walked towards him to offer a warm hug.
The gesture, according to the content creator, left a lasting impression on him, particularly considering his journey and the opportunities he has had to represent Ghana and Africa on the international stage.
Reflecting on the experience, Wode Maya said he sometimes looked back at his humble beginnings as a young man armed with a camera and an ambition to tell positive African stories, and found it difficult to believe how far his journey had taken him.
He expressed gratitude to President Mahama for the continued affection, kindness and respect he had shown him over the years.
“Thank you, Mr President, for the consistent love, kindness and respect you continue to show me. I never take it for granted,” he stated.
The encounter has further highlighted the relationship between the President and the Ghanaian digital creator, whose work has attracted considerable attention across the continent and beyond.
Wode Maya has built a strong international following through his digital storytelling, focusing on Africa’s development, tourism, entrepreneurship, investment opportunities and the achievements of Africans.
Through his YouTube platform, he has travelled extensively across the continent, showcasing communities, businesses, infrastructure projects and individuals whose stories often receive limited attention in mainstream international media.
His work has also contributed to efforts aimed at changing negative perceptions about Africa by highlighting the continent’s opportunities, cultural diversity and development potential.
The warm reception from President Mahama is particularly significant as Ghana continues to engage its citizens abroad and explore opportunities to strengthen the country’s international image through diplomacy, cultural exchanges and diaspora relations.
The Russia-Africa Summit also provides a platform for African leaders and their Russian counterparts to discuss areas of mutual interest, including trade, investment, education, technology, security and economic cooperation.
Wode Maya’s encounter with the President has since offered a personal highlight of his Moscow experience, with the content creator expressing appreciation for the recognition and encouragement he continues to receive from Ghana’s leader.
