Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs Approves Issuance of Ghanaian Passport To IShowSpeed
The Government of Ghana has officially approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to American YouTube sensation and global streaming star Darren Jason Watkins Jr, professionally known as IShowSpeed.
The announcement was made via a social media post by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, addressed to the renowned African travel YouTuber and digital visionary, Wode Maya.
According to the minister, the decision follows a series of high-level discussions and a verification process that confirmed IShowSpeed’s deep-rooted ancestral ties to the West African nation.
Writing on his official Facebook page, Ablakwa stated:
“@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’s message further emphasized the government’s commitment to embracing the global African diaspora. He encouraged both Wode Maya and IShowSpeed to continue projecting a positive image of the country and the continent at large.
“Keep making our great nation, Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you both—you remain our worthy ambassadors,” the statement continued.
In a surprising revelation, the minister also reminded the public of Wode Maya’s existing status as a state representative, noting, “We are ever so delighted to have granted you a diplomatic passport last year. For God, Country & Continent.”
IShowSpeed, who has previously expressed immense interest in his African heritage and famously took a DNA test that pointed toward West African roots, now joins a growing list of global celebrities seeking closer ties with Ghana under the “Year of Return” and “Beyond the Return” initiatives.
On Monday, January 26, 2026, the 21-year-old streamer, known for his high-energy content and massive following of over 50 million subscribers, took an ancestral bath in Ghana as part of his African tour and was named Barima Kofi Akuffo.
This diplomatic gesture is seen as a strategic move by the Ghanaian government to leverage the influence of digital creators to boost tourism and strengthen the bond between Ghana and its diaspora.
