American YouTube superstar Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has been officially granted Ghanaian citizenship following his month-long tour across Africa. Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development, revealing that the 21-year-old influencer was issued a Ghanaian passport.
The minister stated that the decision was based on confirming IShowSpeed's "irrefutable ties" to Ghana, aligning with the country's "Beyond the Return" diaspora engagement initiative. “Following our discussions and subsequent confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana... the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed,” Ablakwa said.
The YouTuber recently concluded a 20-country Africa tour that began on December 29, 2025. During the tour, he used his massive platform—boasting over 50 million subscribers—to spotlight the continent's culture, tourism, and daily life, aiming to reshape global perceptions.
Ablakwa commended IShowSpeed for projecting Ghana and Africa positively to a worldwide audience, describing him as a fitting ambassador. The granting of citizenship formalizes the streamer's deepening connection with the continent and rewards his role in promoting African narratives.
This move highlights Ghana's ongoing strategy to strengthen ties with the global African diaspora and leverage the influence of high-profile personalities for cultural diplomacy and tourism.
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