The YouTuber, recognized for his “irrefutable ties” after a month-long Africa tour, receives a Ghanaian passport.
In a move blending modern influence with cultural diplomacy, Ghana has formally granted citizenship to US-based YouTube sensation IShowSpeed, following his extensive tour of the continent.
The country’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the decision, stating the 21-year-old influencer—whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr.—was recognized for his “irrefutable ties” to Ghana. The YouTuber, who boasts over 50 million subscribers, received the news via a public statement from the minister.
“Following our discussions and subsequent confirmation… I am pleased to inform you that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian Passport to IShowSpeed,” Ablakwa wrote. “Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud.”
The decision aligns with Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative, which seeks to encourage deeper, formalized connections with the global African diaspora. IShowSpeed’s tour, which began in late December and covered 20 countries, was celebrated for showcasing the continent’s culture, tourism, and innovation to his vast audience.
The announcement has sparked a lively debate within Ghana. While many welcome the global spotlight and see it as a savvy promotion of the nation’s image, others question the precedent and value of granting citizenship to a foreign celebrity.
For IShowSpeed, the passport represents a formal bond with a nation he has recently helped bring into the focus of millions of fans worldwide.
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