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Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to American streamer and YouTube personality Darren Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed.
The approval follows IShowSpeed’s widely publicised “Speed Does Africa” tour, which ended with a major visit to Ghana on Monday, January 26, 2026.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed the decision in a post on his official Facebook page, citing the streamer’s strong personal and cultural ties to Ghana, as well as his role in promoting Africa on the global stage.
According to the minister, the approval was granted after consultations with renowned Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya and a review of IShowSpeed’s connections to the country.
“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,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He praised both IShowSpeed and Wode Maya, who received a diplomatic passport in 2025, describing them as worthy ambassadors of Ghana and Africa.
IShowSpeed’s visit to Ghana attracted massive public attention and blended entertainment with cultural engagement. During the trip, he was traditionally enstooled in Akropong and given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo during a spiritual naming ceremony.
He also visited tourist sites including the Asenema Waterfalls, interacted with large crowds at Independence Square, sampled Ghanaian jollof, and engaged with popular Ghanaian personalities such as Dancegodlloyd and Bukom Banku.
The passport approval marks a symbolic conclusion to a visit that showcased Ghanaian culture to millions of viewers worldwide.
