American YouTuber and live streamer IShowSpeed is poised to obtain a Ghanaian passport as his extensive tour across Africa concludes. The 21-year-old content creator, whose real name is Darren Watkins Jr, included Ghana among the final destinations of his journey through 20 African nations, which he broadcasted live to his massive online audience.
Ghanaian Government Approves Passport for YouTube Star
Following his visit, Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, publicly announced that his office has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed. In a statement reported by BBC, Ablakwa described the YouTuber as a worthy ambassador for both Ghana and the broader African continent, highlighting his positive representation during the tour.
Confirmation of Ghanaian Heritage
The minister noted that the approval was granted after verifying IShowSpeed's connections to Ghana. During one of his live streams from the country, the influencer revealed to viewers that his mother is of Ghanaian descent, establishing a personal tie that supported the passport application.
Reactions to the Passport Decision
Ablakwa encouraged IShowSpeed to continue promoting Ghana and Africa in a favorable light, emphasizing that the nation celebrates his contributions. However, the decision has sparked mixed reactions among Ghanaians. While many have welcomed the move, praising the YouTuber's efforts to showcase African cultures, others have taken to social media to criticize the government, accusing it of devaluing the Ghanaian passport by granting it to foreign celebrities.
Impact of the Africa Tour
IShowSpeed, who boasts over 50 million subscribers on YouTube, embarked on his Speed Does Africa tour, which officially ended recently. The tour has garnered global attention and acclaim for its role in highlighting diverse African cultures and challenging stereotypes about the continent. His live-streamed adventures have brought unprecedented visibility to many African countries, including Ghana.
This development marks a significant moment in the intersection of digital media and national identity, as influencers like IShowSpeed leverage their platforms to foster cross-cultural understanding and engagement.
