Ghana has approved a passport for American YouTube star IShowSpeed following his widely watched visit to the country during his viral Africa tour.
The announcement was made by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the 21-year-old content creator as a “worthy ambassador” after his visit helped spotlight Ghanaian culture to a global audience. Ghana was the penultimate stop on IShowSpeed’s 20-country, live-streamed tour of Africa, which concluded on Tuesday.
According to Ablakwa, the passport approval followed “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana.” During his livestream in the country, the YouTuber—whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr—told viewers that his mother is Ghanaian.
IShowSpeed’s tour, tagged “Speed Does Africa,” has drawn praise worldwide for challenging stereotypes about the continent and showcasing African cultures. The influencer, who has over 50 million YouTube subscribers, saw significant growth on his platform during the tour.
While in Ghana, IShowSpeed said he felt like he was “back home” as he visited major landmarks and took part in a traditional naming ceremony in the eastern region, where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo while dressed in kente cloth.
The decision sparked mixed reactions online, with many Ghanaians welcoming the move, while others questioned the government’s policy of granting passports to foreign celebrities. Ghana has, however, intensified efforts in recent years to reconnect with its global diaspora, granting citizenship to more than 500 diaspora members in 2024, including prominent African-Americans.
IShowSpeed’s month-long Africa tour included stops in Nigeria, South Africa, Morocco, and Ivory Coast, featuring viral moments such as cultural dances and wildlife encounters. He also celebrated his 21st birthday in Lagos.
The YouTuber was recently named Rolling Stone’s “Most Influential Creator of 2025,” with Forbes estimating his net worth at $20 million.