Deputy Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana Aggrey, has defended the decision to grant a Ghanaian passport to American social media influencer IShowSpeed, describing it as a deliberate and strategic move to promote tourism and investment in the country.

Speaking on JoyNews’ AM Show on Thursday, January 30, Abeiku Santana expressed surprise at public criticism of the move, noting that Ghana has long operated citizenship programmes for members of the diaspora who demonstrate strong ties and commitment to the nation.

“I am surprised some Ghanaians are even asking this question,” he said. “Previous governments have had citizenship programmes where people who trace their roots to Ghana and have shown consistent love for the country are granted citizenship.”

He explained that such initiatives fall within the mandate of institutions responsible for diaspora affairs and are designed to strengthen Ghana’s global connections.

Addressing concerns specifically about IShowSpeed, Abeiku Santana highlighted the influencer’s vast global following and marketing potential, arguing that Ghana stands to gain significantly from the decision.

“We know his influence, his global influence,” he said. “If you look at what it would cost to pay someone like IShowSpeed millions of dollars to market Ghana, we cannot afford it. But giving him a Ghanaian passport gives him unfettered access to the country.”

He added that the decision should be viewed as cultural diplomacy, leveraging influential global figures to promote national interests beyond traditional tourism advertising.

Abeiku Santana also cited similar actions by other countries, recalling YouTuber Wode Maya’s receipt of a Burkinabè passport without public backlash.

“Wode Maya received a passport from Burkina Faso, and people there did not complain. So why are Ghanaians complaining?” he questioned.

According to him, Ghana’s engagement with IShowSpeed extends beyond tourism to economic and investment opportunities. He revealed that the influencer has already expressed interest in investing in the country.

“This is not just leisure tourism; it’s also about investment,” Abeiku Santana noted. “He himself said, ‘I feel like buying a house in Ghana.’”

As part of the initiative, IShowSpeed has also been given a Ghanaian name, Barima Kofi Akuffo, reinforcing his cultural connection to the country.

Abeiku Santana stressed that among the many countries IShowSpeed has visited, Ghana stands out as the only nation to formally embrace him, a move he says will keep the country in global conversations for the right reasons.

“It’s all part of the agenda to leverage his appeal to drive traction to Ghana,” he said.