Ghana Grants Citizenship to US YouTuber IShowSpeed After Africa Tour

Ghana has granted citizenship to popular American YouTuber and streamer IShowSpeed as he concludes a month-long tour across Africa.

The announcement was made on Monday by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, who disclosed the decision in a post on X. According to the minister, the government approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the influencer after confirming what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to the country.

“Keep making our great nation, Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you,” Ablakwa said in the post.

IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., is a 21-year-old African American born in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is one of the most-followed digital creators globally, having reached 50 million YouTube subscribers this month. Rolling Stone recently named him the Most Influential Creator of 2025, while Forbes estimates his net worth at about $20 million.

The YouTube and Twitch star began his African tour on December 29, visiting 20 countries across the continent. During the trip, he showcased diverse African cultures and experiences to his global aunce of tens of millions. His travels included visiting a diamond mine in Botswana, exploring Ethiopia’s culinary heritage, and attending the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.

His coverage has drawn widespread attention online, with many viewers praising the positive and nuanced portrayal of Africa. Several Black Americans shared emotional reactions on social media, saying the tour reshaped their perception of the continent and challenged long-held stereotypes often associated with poverty and conflict.

Ghana’s decision to grant citizenship has been viewed by observers as part of the country’s broader engagement with the African diaspora, reinforcing its image as a welcoming destination for people of African descent worldwide.