Ghana has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to popular American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, real name Darren Watkins Jr., following his recent visit to the country at the tail end of his viral “Speed Does Africa” tour.
The announcement was made in late January 2026 by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who said the decision followed confirmation of the streamer’s ancestral links to the country.
“Following confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana, through his mother’s lineage, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to him,” Ablakwa said in a social media post on January 27.
IShowSpeed, one of the world’s most-watched online streamers, toured about 20 African countries over the course of a month, livestreaming his experiences to millions of followers. Ghana was among the final stops on the tour, where he interacted with fans, explored cultural sites and sampled local cuisine, including jollof rice.
Government officials described the 21-year-old content creator as a positive cultural ambassador whose influence has helped reshape global perceptions of Africa.
“Through his work, he has projected Ghana and the African continent in a positive light, challenged long-held stereotypes and sparked renewed interest in African culture and tourism,” Ablakwa said, adding that the streamer was “a worthy ambassador for Ghana to the world.”
During his visit, IShowSpeed was also bestowed with a traditional Ghanaian name, Barima Kofi Akuffo, in recognition of his heritage and connection to the country.
The move aligns with Ghana’s ongoing Year of Return and Beyond the Return initiatives, which aim to strengthen ties with the African diaspora by encouraging reconnection, investment and, in some cases, the granting of citizenship or residency rights to people of African descent with verified links to Ghana.
Under Ghanaian law, African Americans with proven Ghanaian ancestry, individuals married to Ghanaian citizens, or those approved under special presidential or diaspora programmes may qualify for citizenship and, subsequently, a Ghanaian passport. The process typically involves verification of ancestry, legal clearance and approval by relevant government agencies, including the Ministry of the Interior.
While many Ghanaians welcomed the announcement as a proud moment and a savvy boost to the country’s global image, the decision has also sparked debate online. Some critics questioned whether the process was expedited due to IShowSpeed’s celebrity status, while others argued the move reflects the spirit of Ghana’s diaspora engagement policy.
Despite the mixed reactions, the development has drawn widespread international attention, with major global and African media outlets reporting on what many have described as a modern and high-profile example of diaspora reconnection in the digital age.
