Ghana has awarded citizenship to American content creator iShowSpeed, with the nation’s foreign minister making the announcement as the influencer concludes his extensive African tour.
In a Monday statement on X, Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that after “confirmation of the irrefutable ties of iShowSpeed to Ghana,” the government “has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian Passport to iShowSpeed.”
“Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you,” Ablakwa wrote.
The 21-year-old creator—born Darren Jason Watkins Jr. in Cincinnati, Ohio—ranks among the world’s most-followed digital personalities.
He recently surpassed 50 million YouTube subscribers, earned recognition from Rolling Stone as the Most Influential Creator of 2025, and has an estimated net worth of $20 million according to Forbes.
The YouTube and Twitch personality’s continental journey, which began December 29, has covered 20 nations, offering his massive audience fresh perspectives on Africa. His travels included visiting a diamond mine in Botswana, exploring Ethiopia’s culinary traditions, and attending the Africa Cup of Nations football final in Morocco.
His channel’s subscribers have enthusiastically engaged with his African coverage, with some Black American viewers sharing emotional reactions about how iShowSpeed’s content has challenged conventional media stereotypes and revealed a more complete picture of the continent beyond narratives focused solely on poverty and conflict.
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