Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that popular American streamer and YouTuber IShowSpeed will be issued a Ghanaian passport following his recent visit to the country.
The North Tongu MP Ablakwa said the decision followed discussions and confirmation of IShowSpeed’s ancestral and cultural ties to Ghana. He credited YouTuber and travel influencer Wode Maya for playing a role in the engagement process that led to the approval.
“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,” Ablakwa said in a social media post sighted by MyNewsGh.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., visited Ghana as part of his Africa tour, where he explored cultural sites, interacted with local communities, and connected with young creatives and content creators.
During his stay, he visited popular locations in Accra, met Ghanaian influencers, and took part in cultural activities that were widely shared on social media.
Ablakwa praised both IShowSpeed and Wode Maya for promoting Ghana on the global stage. “Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud,” he said.
He also referred to their previous recognition by the state, adding, “Ghana celebrates you both. You remain our worthy ambassadors, and we are ever so delighted to have granted you a diplomatic passport last year.”
“For God, Country & Continent,” Ablakwa concluded, as he reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to strengthening ties with members of the African diaspora and global cultural figures who promote the country positively.
