Wode Maya: How Asamoah Gyan’s Name Saved Famous YouTuber From Police Arrest in Algeria, Video
- Popular Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya recently shared a memorable experience from his trip to North Africa.
- During his stay in Algeria, he was briefly arrested by local police for using his phone in public
- The situation took a positive turn when he was let off the hook, thanks to his Ghanaian nationality and the influence of Asamoah Gyan
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Freelance African vlogger Wode Maya recently shared a remarkable story about how the mere mention of football legend Asamoah Gyan got him out of a tricky situation during a trip to Algeria.
The travel content creator, known for his uplifting videos across Africa, was on one of his usual cross-country adventures when he had a run-in with law enforcement in North Africa.

Source: Getty Images
While exploring Algeria in search of compelling stories, Wode and his driver were stopped by the police for using a mobile phone while driving which is a clear road traffic violation.
Though the content creator admitted fault, explaining he had distracted the driver during the journey, the officers were initially set on enforcing the law.
How Asamoah Gyan's name saved Wode Maya from arrest
In an attempt to explain himself further, Wode Maya told the officers he was from Ghana. And that simple admission unexpectedly changed everything.
One of the policemen lit up with a smile, waved them off the hook, and casually mentioned a name that every Ghanaian holds dear: Asamoah Gyan.
Recalling the moment, Maya was left both surprised and relieved.
“Because of you, man, we have been released,” he remarked in reference to the former Ghana captain.
Watch the video:
Fans celebrate Asamoah Gyan’s influence
The moment has sparked conversations online, with many hailing Gyan not just for his footballing prowess but also for how his name continues to open doors even off the pitch. YEN.com.gh has compiled reactions from TikTok:
KWAKU GALAXY wrote:
"Good name is better than riches."
kofimensah3962 lauded Gyan:
"He’s a blessing to every Ghanaian ✌️"
Te_Amo summed up with a personal story:
"I get the same issue in Abu Dhabi crossing the line with a bike, and later we talked about sports, Gyan once played at Al Ain FC."
Reflecting on how Asamoah Gyan’s name helped Wode Maya out of trouble, Stephen Zando of Luv FM shared his thoughts:
"I'm not surprised at all. I often feel we don’t celebrate and appreciate our living legends enough. A quick glance at Asamoah Gyan’s resume is enough to amaze anyone—his achievements in football are incredible," he told YEN.com.gh.
"His goals, especially in high-stakes moments when Ghana needed him most, have left a lasting impression on people across the continent."

Source: Facebook
Asamoah Gyan’s legacy lives on
The 39-year-old may have hung up his boots, but his influence clearly stretches far beyond football fields.
From unforgettable goals at the FIFA World Cup to his heroics at the Africa Cup of Nations, the striker’s name continues to resonate around the world, per ESPN.
The former Black Stars captain still holds the record as Ghana’s all-time top scorer with 51 goals, according to Transfermarkt.
His legacy isn't just written in goals but in goodwill, even at a random checkpoint in Algeria.
Similar stories of Asamoah Gyan helping individuals
Asamoah Gyan is recognised not only for his talents as a footballer, but also for his charitable nature, which has been highlighted a handful of times in past reports. He is probably known widely for his compassionate gestures. One of the most important was when he provided his former coach, JE Sarpong, with GH¢7,000 to help him pay his rent. Coach Sarpong made comments about being in a hard spot, and without questioning it, Gyan stepped up and offered Coach Sarpong the help, as he attributed his differences as a coach to the fact that he had won a given honour in guiding Gyan's career.
Gyan has also helped strangers who were less fortunate. Once, he gave GH¢5,000 to a blind man for the full cost of his prostate surgery. Most people commended his gesture and also recognised that Gyan had demonstrated charity beyond the game of football.
He funded various development projects through the Asamoah Gyan Foundation, including boreholes for water accessibility to marginalised communities, and made donations to children's hospitals. Moreover, he also committed himself to helping pay for surgeries for children who had holes in their hearts by donating to the Save-A-Life Foundation created by musician Kwabena Kwabena.
This is a representation of Gyan's commitment to giving back. Whether helping the sick and elderly or assisting athletes whom he encourages to pursue their dreams, he continues to amaze fans and fellow public figures with his kindness and humanitarian efforts, and his charitable works.
Lionel Messi praises Asamoah Gyan
In another report, YEN.com.gh shared that Lionel Messi once recognised Asamoah Gyan as one of the most lethal goal scorers he had encountered.
For many Ghanaian fans, Messi’s remarks affirmed a long-held belief—that Gyan wasn’t just prolific but a striker whose consistency, drive, and big-game presence placed him firmly among Africa’s finest.
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Proofreading by Omoleye Omoruyi, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh