Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced the approval for a Ghanaian passport to be issued to American streamer IShowSpeed following the verification of his ancestral ties to Ghana, where he undertook the penultimate leg of his African streaming tour.
In a statement shared on social media, Minister Ablakwa said the decision followed earlier engagements with Ghanaian Africa-centred content creator Wode Maya and subsequent confirmation of the streamer’s ancestral connection to Ghana.
The approval reflects the government’s broader commitment to strengthening ties with the African diaspora and embracing people of African descent who seek to reconnect with their roots.
“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 wrote, adding that the nation celebrates both him and Wode Maya as “worthy ambassadors” who continue to make Ghana and the African continent proud.
The passport approval and cultural engagements reflect Ghana’s evolving approach to diaspora policy, blending heritage recognition with opportunities for global personalities to deepen their affiliation with the country. As IShowSpeed’s tour concluded in Ghana, it marked a symbolic moment in diaspora relations, illustrating how ancestry, culture and modern media influence narratives about identity and belonging.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr., embarked on his 28-day “Speed Does Africa” tour, a journey across nearly 20 African countries aimed at showcasing the continent’s cultural diversity and challenging long-standing negative stereotypes. Ghana served as one of the final stops on the tour, following his visit to Namibia, and quickly became a focal point of international attention.
During his visit, IShowSpeed was honoured with a traditional Ghanaian name, Barima Kofi Akuffo, at a ceremony in Akropong hosted by local chiefs, symbolising acceptance into Ghanaian heritage and community life. The cultural itinerary also included visits to the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, interactions with traditional leaders, and participation in indigenous practices that resonated deeply with Ghana’s customs and identity.
IShowSpeed’s activities in Ghana blended culture, sports, entertainment, and public engagement. He attended the Supercar Spectacle at Independence Square, met with local personalities including dancers and entertainers, sampled local cuisine such as Ghanaian jollof rice, and even captured global attention with a daring backflip at Black Star Square during a live stream, a moment that went viral across social platforms.
The issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed is part of a broader pattern of diaspora engagement by the Ghanaian government, which has actively encouraged reconnection with ancestral roots. Since the launch of the “Year of Return” initiative in 2019, Ghana has emphasised reconnecting Africans in the diaspora with their heritage, leading to historic naturalisation ceremonies.
Citizenship and passport issuance for diaspora members and descendants of Ghanaians underscore both cultural and developmental objectives. While some advocates argue for linking citizenship to investment, the prevailing policy has prioritised heritage and emotional ties, enabling people of African descent to formalise their connections to the continent and contribute to national growth.
IShowSpeed’s connection to Ghana was celebrated by fans and residents alike, with his return to ancestral roots drawing praise for showcasing the country’s hospitality, culture and tourism potential to his millions of global followers. Ghana’s tourism and cultural authorities coordinated elements of his visit, highlighting key heritage sites and experiences.
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