Accra: American streamer IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, expressed his excitement upon being granted a Ghanaian passport after completing his African tour, which concluded on January 28, 2026. The 21-year-old visited several countries during his livestreamed, 20-country tour, with Ghana being one of the final stops.
According to Ghana Web, during his visit to Ghana, IShowSpeed was given the Ghanaian name Barima Kofi Akuffo and took the opportunity to explore the country. On January 28, 2026, Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the streamer had been approved for a Ghanaian passport, acknowledging his significant ties to the nation.
In a livestream to his over 50 million YouTube subscribers on February 12, 2026, IShowSpeed reacted to the news by searching himself online to confirm the reports. He discovered that he is now recognized as holding dual citizenship in the United States and Ghana, a fact he celebrated by playing Ghana's national anthem and declaring it a 'big flex.'
Curious about the implications of his new citizenship, IShowSpeed investigated the travel advantages of a Ghanaian passport. He found that he could travel visa-free or acquire a visa on arrival in various countries across Africa, the Caribbean, and Asia, including Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa, Tanzania, Rwanda, DRC, Senegal, Barbados, Jamaica, Singapore, and the Maldives. Enthusiastically, he shared with his audience the ease of travel his new status affords him.
Additionally, during the livestream, IShowSpeed noted that his mother hails from Ghana, making the dual citizenship a personal milestone. Foreign Minister Ablakwa encouraged IShowSpeed to continue making both Ghana and the African continent proud, stating, "Ghana celebrates you."
#CTGeneral/CT#