American YouTuber and world livestream sensation, Darren Jason Watkins Jr. popularly often called IShowSpeed, has formally turn into a Ghanaian citizen after finishing a month-long tour throughout Africa.
The event was introduced by Ghana’s Minister of Overseas Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who revealed that the 21-year-old influencer was issued a Ghanaian passport following official affirmation of what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to the nation.
The granting of citizenship is claimed to align with Ghana’s Past the Return initiative, a programme designed to strengthen connections with the African diaspora and encourage individuals of African descent to formalise their ties with the nation.
In accordance with the minister, the choice got here after engagements that underscored the streamer’s deepening relationship with Ghana and the African continent, pushed largely by his cultural interactions and public content material.
“Following our discussions and subsequent affirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana, I’m happy to tell you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Overseas Affairs has accredited the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed,” the assertion learn.
Ablakwa additionally counseled the YouTuber for projecting Ghana and Africa in a constructive gentle to a worldwide viewers, describing him as a becoming ambassador for the continent.
IShowSpeed not too long ago wrapped up his Africa Tour, which kicked off on December 29, 2025, and spanned 20 African international locations.
Throughout the tour, he used his livestreams to highlight the continent’s tradition, tourism, know-how and on a regular basis experiences to his greater than 50 million YouTube subscribers, contributing to efforts to counter stereotypes and reshape worldwide perceptions of Africa.
