Global internet sensation IShowSpeed is set to be issued a Ghanaian passport following his widely followed visit to the West African nation during his recent Africa tour.
Ghana marked the second-to-last stop on the American streamer’s ambitious, live-streamed journey across 20 African countries, which officially concluded earlier this week.
The visit left a strong impression, prompting Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry to approve a passport for the YouTuber, describing him as a positive representative of the country on the global stage.
Announcing the decision, Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the approval came after what he termed “clear and undeniable ties” between IShowSpeed and Ghana.
He praised the influencer as a “worthy ambassador” and encouraged him to continue uplifting both Ghana and the African continent through his platform.
The tour, branded Speed Does Africa, attracted millions of viewers worldwide and earned praise for challenging outdated perceptions of Africa while spotlighting the continent’s cultural richness.
The exposure has also fueled further growth for IShowSpeed’s already massive online presence.
At just 21 years old, IShowSpeed, born Darren Watkins Jr. commands an audience of over 50 million subscribers on YouTube.
While streaming in Ghana, he told fans that his mother has Ghanaian roots, a statement that drew significant attention and enthusiasm from local viewers.
Public reaction to the passport announcement has been mixed. Many Ghanaians celebrated the move as a win for cultural diplomacy, while critics questioned whether granting passports to international celebrities risks diminishing the value of Ghanaian nationality.
Ghana has, in recent years, actively positioned itself as a home for Africans in the global diaspora. In 2024, the country extended citizenship to more than 500 diaspora members, most of them African-Americans, including music legend Stevie Wonder.
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Similar initiatives have been adopted by other West African nations seeking to reconnect with descendants of those displaced during the transatlantic slave trade.
During his time in Ghana, IShowSpeed expressed a deep sense of belonging, telling viewers he felt like he was “back home.”
His visit included tours of landmark sites and a trip to the Eastern Region, where he participated in a traditional naming ceremony.
Dressed in the iconic kente cloth, he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo, symbolizing his cultural welcome.
The 28-day African tour took the streamer to countries such as Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco and Ivory Coast. Along the way, he engaged in headline-grabbing moments — from racing a cheetah to dancing with members of the Maasai community.
IShowSpeed also celebrated his 21st birthday in Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city. His influence continues to grow, with Rolling Stone naming him the most influential creator of 2025, while Forbes estimates his net worth at approximately $20 million.
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