Accra, Ghana – Ghana has granted citizenship to popular American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed, marking a major cultural moment as the influencer concludes his month-long tour across Africa.
The announcement was made on Monday by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who revealed via a post on X that the government had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the internet sensation after confirming his “irrefutable ties” to the country.
“Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you,” Ablakwa wrote.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. The 21-year-old African American content creator is one of the most influential digital personalities globally, having surpassed 50 million subscribers on YouTube earlier this month. He was recently named Most Influential Creator of 2025 by Rolling Stone, while Forbes estimates his net worth at approximately $20 million.
His African tour, which began on December 29, saw him visit 20 countries across the continent. During the journey, he showcased Africa to his massive global audience—touring a diamond mine in Botswana, exploring Ethiopian cuisine, and attending the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
The tour has drawn widespread praise, particularly among Black Americans, many of whom shared emotional reactions online, saying IShowSpeed’s content challenged long-standing stereotypes and presented Africa beyond narratives of poverty and conflict.
Observers say Ghana’s gesture reflects the country’s continued effort to strengthen ties with the African diaspora and celebrate global voices reshaping perceptions of the continent.
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