In a significant cultural and diplomatic move, Ghana has officially approved Ghanaian citizenship for global YouTube sensation IShowSpeed following his transformative 28-nation tour across Africa. The 21-year-old content creator, born Darren Watkins Jr., received this honor during the final leg of his “Speed Does Africa” expedition, which concluded earlier this week.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa personally announced the decision via social media, revealing that the passport approval came after “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana.” During an emotional live stream from Ghana, the influencer disclosed that his mother hails from the West African nation, creating an immediate familial connection that resonated deeply with both officials and citizens.
The groundbreaking Africa tour, which amassed millions of views worldwide, has been widely praised for challenging continental stereotypes and showcasing diverse African cultures. IShowSpeed’s journey included remarkable experiences from racing cheetahs to participating in traditional naming ceremonies. In Ghana’s eastern region, he underwent a ceremonial naming ritual where he was honored with the traditional name Barima Kofi Akuffo while adorned in prestigious kente cloth.
While many Ghanaians celebrated the decision as a smart diplomatic move to engage the global diaspora, some critics expressed concerns about potential devaluation of citizenship privileges. The controversy reflects ongoing debates about celebrity diplomacy and national identity in the digital age.
This development aligns with Ghana’s broader strategy to strengthen connections with the African diaspora worldwide. In 2024, the nation extended citizenship offers to over 500 diaspora members, predominantly African-Americans including music legend Stevie Wonder.
IShowSpeed, recently named Rolling Stone’s “most influential creator of 2025” and boasting a net worth estimated at $20 million by Forbes, has now surpassed 50 million YouTube subscribers—a milestone significantly boosted by his African content. His journey represents a new era of digital diplomacy where online influencers bridge cultural divides and reshape international perceptions through authentic engagement.