Ghana Grants Citizenship to IShowSpeed After Africa Tour, Sparks Public Debate

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the country has granted citizenship to US YouTuber IShowSpeed, real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr., following his month-long tour across Africa.

In a statement shared on social media, Ablakwa said the 21-year-old influencer was recognised for his “irrefutable ties” to Ghana, adding that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the popular content creator. He praised IShowSpeed and Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya as ambassadors promoting Ghana and the African continent globally.

IShowSpeed, who boasts over 50 million YouTube subscribers, began his Africa tour on December 29, visiting about 20 countries. His travels highlighted African culture, tourism, and technology, challenging stereotypes and presenting a different narrative about the continent to his global audience.

The move is widely seen as part of Ghana’s “Beyond the Return” initiative, which encourages people of African descent and members of the diaspora to formalise ties with the country.

However, the announcement has triggered mixed reactions. While some Ghanaians have welcomed the decision as a boost to the nation’s global image and soft power, others have questioned the rationale behind granting citizenship to foreign celebrities.

The Ghanaian government has not yet provided further details on the criteria used in approving the citizenship.

See also:

Angela Okorie Remanded Over Alleged Cybercrime Charges Amid Ongoing Industry Feud

“I Was Sick, Weak and Pregnant” — Simi Explains Delay in Releasing Song with Chike

Copyright Row: Bimbo Ademoye Alleges Song Theft as YouTube Movie Gets Demonetised

Eviction Saga: Femi Adebayo’s Family Breaks Silence, Says Estranged Wife Knew About Bank Foreclosure

“Why Do Musicians Get All the Love?” — Gideon Okeke Calls Out Neglect of Nollywood