The government of Ghana has granted citizenship to American YouTube star Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, following his month-long “Speed Does Africa” tour across the continent. The announcement was made by Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the content creator as a “worthy ambassador” for promoting African culture to a global audience.
The 21-year-old YouTuber, who boasts over 50 million subscribers, completed a 28-day journey across 20 African countries, producing live streams and videos that highlighted local traditions, cuisine, sports, and daily life. The tour aimed to showcase Africa’s rich diversity while engaging a worldwide audience, bringing considerable attention to the countries visited.
In a social media statement, Ablakwa said IShowSpeed’s ties to Ghana were “irrefutable,” and confirmed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport. The minister encouraged the YouTuber to continue using his platform to promote Ghana and Africa, reflecting the government’s strategy of leveraging cultural ambassadors to enhance international awareness.
The move aligns with Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative, a programme designed to strengthen ties with the African diaspora and encourage individuals of African descent to formalize connections with the country. Observers say IShowSpeed’s global reach could significantly boost tourism, cultural visibility, and soft power for Ghana.
The decision has, however, generated mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While some praised it as a smart cultural and promotional strategy, others questioned granting citizenship to a foreign celebrity, raising concerns about potential implications for the significance of Ghanaian nationality. During his tour, IShowSpeed visited Botswana’s diamond mines and attended the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, documenting his experiences along the way.
The newly conferred citizenship cements his formal connection to Ghana and reiterates the growing influence of digital content creators in shaping cultural narratives and international engagement. Officials say the development reflects Ghana’s continued commitment to using innovative platforms and personalities to promote African heritage worldwide, bridging the gap between traditional diplomacy and modern digital influence.
