Popular American YouTuber and streamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., well known as IShowSpeed, has officially been granted a Ghanaian passport following the completion of his Africa tour.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who revealed that the 21-year-old internet star was recognised for what he described as his “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.
In a statement shared online, the minister addressed Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya, confirming that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the streamer. He praised both creators for consistently projecting Ghana and the African continent in a positive light on the global stage.
“Following our discussions and confirmation of IShowSpeed’s undeniable connection to Ghana, I am pleased to announce that the Ministry has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to him,” the statement read. “Ghana celebrates you both. You remain worthy ambassadors of our nation and continent.”
IShowSpeed’s Africa tour, which kicked off on December 29, saw him travel across 20 African countries. Throughout the journey, he spotlighted Africa’s rich culture, tourism, lifestyle, and growing tech scene, helping to counter long-standing stereotypes and present a refreshing narrative about the continent.
The move is widely seen as part of Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative, a programme designed to strengthen ties with the African diaspora and encourage people of African descent to reconnect formally with the country.
See his post below
@wode_maya 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.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) January 27, 2026
Keep making our… pic.twitter.com/oWLsWEpIEq
