Burkina Police let me film after seeing my photo with Mahama – Wode Maya
Ghanaian vlogger Wode Maya has revealed how President John Dramani Mahama’s popularity in Burkina Faso unexpectedly eased his content creation journey in the country.
Speaking in an interview with broadcaster Kafui Dey on 26 August 2025, Wode Maya explained that many Burkinabe hold President Mahama in high regard, considering him the second most admired figure in the country after their military leader, Captain Ibrahim Traoré.
According to the YouTuber, this admiration translated into real-life privileges while filming in Burkina Faso.
He recounted how a simple photograph of himself with President Mahama often served as a pass in situations that could have delayed his work.
“I have a photo with President Mahama, and they love him in Burkina Faso. So when it gets tough, I just show the picture, and they allow me. I was filming a video where there were so many police present, but I needed that shot. After showing the picture, the police allowed me,” he said.
Wode Maya noted that Burkinabe respect President Mahama because they believe he genuinely supports their leader, Captain Traoré.
This sentiment, he said, made his picture with the former Ghanaian president an unexpected ID card during his stay.
