American YouTuber and global livestream sensation, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has officially become a Ghanaian citizen following his month-long tour across Africa.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who disclosed that the 21-year-old influencer was issued a Ghanaian passport after the government confirmed what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to the country.
According to the minister, the decision aligns with Ghana’s Beyond the Return initiative, a programme aimed at strengthening relationships with the African diaspora and encouraging people of African descent to reconnect and formalise their ties with Ghana.
Ablakwa explained that the approval followed a series of engagements that highlighted the streamer’s growing connection with Ghana and the African continent through his cultural experiences and public content.
He said:
“Following our discussions and subsequent confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana, I am pleased to inform you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed.”
The foreign affairs minister also praised the YouTuber for promoting Ghana and Africa positively to a global audience, describing him as a strong ambassador for the continent.
IShowSpeed recently concluded his Africa Tour, which began on December 29, 2025, and covered 20 African countries.
Throughout the tour, he used his livestreams to showcase Africa’s culture, tourism, technology and everyday life to his over 50 million YouTube subscribers, helping to challenge stereotypes and reshape global perceptions of the continent.
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