IShowSpeed Cleared to Receive Ghanaian Passport After Livestream Visit

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that U.S. streamer IShowSpeed, real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has been cleared to receive a Ghanaian passport following his recent livestream visit to the country.

The approval was announced by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who stated that the decision came after discussions and confirmation of what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana. The move recognises the role the 21-year-old streamer played in positively showcasing Ghanaian culture, tourism, and everyday life to a global audience during his visit.

IShowSpeed’s stop in Ghana took place on January 26, 2026, as part of his ongoing “Speed Does Africa” tour, a month-long journey across 20 African countries. During a high-energy livestream that lasted several hours, he interacted with locals, explored cultural sites, participated in food experiences, and took part in a traditional naming ceremony where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo. The visit drew massive public attention both on the streets and online.

According to government officials, the passport approval follows due process and does not bypass existing legal requirements. While some reports describe the move as the granting of citizenship, others clarify that it is an approval for the issuance of a Ghanaian passport in line with the country’s laws and diaspora engagement framework.

The decision has sparked widespread conversation online, with many praising Ghana for embracing digital creators as cultural ambassadors, while others debate the broader implications of passport approvals linked to cultural promotion. The development also aligns with Ghana’s long-running efforts to strengthen connections with the African diaspora and boost global tourism through soft power and digital visibility.

IShowSpeed, known globally for his energetic and unpredictable livestream style, has not yet publicly commented on the passport approval. His Africa tour, however, continues to generate significant attention, positioning digital creators as influential players in how the continent is seen and experienced by global audiences.