Ghana grants passport approval to IShowSpeed – Ablakwa

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the Ministry has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to American streaming sensation IShowSpeed, following what he described as confirmation of the influencer’s “irrefutable ties” to the country.

In a social media post addressed to renowned Ghanaian content creator Wode Maya, Mr Ablakwa said the decision was reached after discussions and verification processes by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“@wode_maya 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,” the Minister stated.

He praised both creators for projecting Ghana and Africa positively on the global stage, describing them as worthy ambassadors.

“Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you both — you remain our worthy ambassadors,” he added.

The announcement coincided with IShowSpeed’s arrival in Accra on January 26, 2026, marking the final stop of his historic 28-day “Speed Does Africa” tour.

The American streamer, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., touched down at the Kotoka International Airport to a warm reception from fans, content creators and tourism stakeholders.

His visit is being hosted by the Ghana Tourism Authority, which has lined up a series of cultural and heritage activities aimed at positioning Ghana as a hub for global entertainment, youth culture and digital creativity.

One of the highlights of his stay was a supercar showcase at Independence Square, which drew massive crowds and dominated online conversations. The event transformed the iconic national venue into a fusion of speed, luxury and youth-driven pop culture, reinforcing Ghana’s growing appeal among younger audiences across Africa and the diaspora.

As part of his itinerary, IShowSpeed is also expected to tour Goldbod, a visit observers say highlights Ghana’s growing visibility among global digital influencers and creatives with worldwide reach.

Born on January 21, 2005, in Cincinnati, Ohio, Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known professionally as IShowSpeed or simply Speed, registered his YouTube channel in 2016 and initially posted gaming content. He rose to prominence in 2021 and later shifted focus to football-related streams in 2022, becoming a well-known supporter of Portuguese football star Cristiano Ronaldo.

With millions of followers across platforms, IShowSpeed is regarded as one of the most influential internet personalities of his generation.

Ghana’s decision to approve a passport for the streamer reflects a broader strategy of youth diplomacy and digital soft power, as the country increasingly leverages global influencers to amplify its cultural and tourism narrative internationally.