American YouTuber and livestreamer IShowSpeed has been granted Ghanaian citizenship, according to an announcement by Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa. The decision follows IShowSpeed's recent month-long tour across Africa, during which he visited 20 countries.
The granting of citizenship is part of Ghana's "Beyond the Return" initiative, which aims to strengthen ties with the African diaspora. Minister Ablakwa cited IShowSpeed's "irrefutable ties" to Ghana and his positive projection of the country and continent to a global audience as key factors in the decision.
IShowSpeed, whose real name is Darren Jason Watkins Jr., has over 50 million YouTube subscribers. During his Africa tour, which began on December 29, 2025, he showcased African culture, tourism, technology, and daily life through his livestreams. The minister commended him for his efforts to counter stereotypes and reshape international perceptions of Africa.
