IShowSpeed Receives Ghanaian Passport After Celebrated Africa Tour
By: Ebenezer Adu-Gyamfi / Emmanuel Ayiku for GhanaianNewsCanada 30/1/2026
American YouTube star IShowSpeed (real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has been approved to receive a Ghanaian passport following the conclusion of his highly publicized month-long tour across Africa. The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who praised the streamer’s connection to Ghana and the continent.
At just 21 years old, IShowSpeed is one of the most followed creators globally, with over 50 million YouTube subscribers. His “Speed Does Africa” tour — spanning 20 countries over 28 days aimed to showcase the rich cultural diversity and vibrant life of Africa, challenging stereotypes often portrayed in Western media.
During the final stop of his journey in Ghana, IShowSpeed immersed himself in local culture, sampling Ghanaian food, visiting historic sites, and taking part in traditional ceremonies. He was also given a local name, Barima Kofi Akuffo, in a ceremonial event that reflected his deepening connection to the country.
In announcing the passport approval, Minister Ablakwa highlighted what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana, including remarks the creator made about his ancestral roots and the enthusiastic reception he received from Ghanaian communities. The government’s decision is part of broader efforts to strengthen engagement with the African diaspora and elevate Ghana’s global image.
While the passport approval marks a symbolic milestone for the streamer and his fans, some local commentators have discussed the need for formal legal procedures to be completed before a passport is officially issued — a requirement outlined in Ghana’s immigration laws.
Supporters of the move see it as a celebration of cultural reconnection and a boost for Ghana’s tourism profile, while others have sparked conversations about the role of global influencers in national identity. Regardless, IShowSpeed’s tour has undoubtedly brought international attention to many parts of Africa and highlighted stories that often go untold.
