American YouTuber and livestream sensation Darren Jason Watkins Jr., popularly known as IShowSpeed, has officially acquired Ghanaian citizenship following a month-long tour across Africa.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who confirmed that the 21-year-old content creator was issued a Ghanaian passport after official recognition of his “irrefutable ties” to the country.
The move aligns with Ghana’s Beyond the Return initiative, a programme aimed at strengthening connections with the African diaspora and encouraging people of African descent to formalise ties with Ghana.
Minister Ablakwa praised IShowSpeed for his efforts in promoting Ghana and Africa to a global audience, describing him as a fitting ambassador for the continent. He said:
“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.”
IShowSpeed concluded his Africa Tour, which began on December 29, 2025, covering 20 African countries. Throughout the tour, he livestreamed cultural experiences, tourism highlights, and technology innovations to his more than 50 million YouTube subscribers, helping to challenge stereotypes and showcase Africa’s rich diversity.
The new citizenship solidifies IShowSpeed’s formal connection to Ghana and reflects his growing influence as a cultural ambassador for the African continent.
