Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that popular American streamer and youtuber IShowSpeed has been approved for a Ghanaian passport.
The decision comes after the conclusion of his widely celebrated “Speed Does Africa” tour, which took him across the continent.
Ghana was the second-to-last country he visited, and his journey attracted millions of online viewers while highlighting Africa’s culture to a global audience.
In a social media post on Tuesday seen by Dockaysworld, Ablakwa said the approval followed discussions and confirmation of what he described as IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.
He disclosed that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had formally approved the issuance of the passport.
The minister made the announcement while addressing Ghanaian YouTuber and travel content creator Wode Maya, praising both men for promoting Ghana and Africa on the global stage.
“Keep making our great nation Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud,” Ablakwa wrote, describing them as “worthy ambassadors” of the country and the continent.
He also noted that Wode Maya and IShowSpeed had previously been granted diplomatic passports last year, a move he said reflected Ghana’s appreciation of their contributions to projecting a positive image of the country internationally.
Among the tour’s most memorable moments were IShowSpeed celebrating his 21st birthday and reaching 50 million YouTube subscribers during a livestream from Lagos, Nigeria, and his appearances at major cultural events like the Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco.
In Ghana, he visited landmarks, tried jollof rice, met a traditional ruler, and participated in a traditional naming ceremony after which he was warmly embraced by local fans and media.
The tour, streamed live on YouTube and Twitch, allowed IShowSpeed to showcase Africa’s diversity beyond common stereotypes while building a global following.
