Following the global whirlwind of United States YouTube star IShowSpeed’s "Speed Does Africa" tour, the dust has settled on a visit that transitioned from a viral spectacle into a landmark case study for national identity. The month-long journey, which spanned 20 territories, reached a fever pitch during its high-profile stop in Ghana. Moving to codify this digital influence, the Ghanaian government officially approved a passport for Darren Watkins Jr., the 21-year-old American internet sensation.

The move was formalised via social media, where Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on X that the Ministry had approved the issuance to the creator, whom he hailed as a "worthy ambassador." This marks a significant milestone in the nation’s digital diplomacy. Watkins currently stands as one of the world's most popular content creators and the most-followed English-speaking streamer. He officially surpassed the 50-million-subscriber mark on YouTube last month.

A Public Divided: Influence vs. Integrity

However, while the Ministry celebrates the move as a masterclass in soft power, the decision has ignited a fierce divide between local citizens and the diaspora. In Ghana, critics have questioned if the move "hastily" rewards fame over residency, noting that many descendants of the diaspora still face hurdles to regularise their status. In contrast, many Ghanaians in the United States view the move as a victory for the "Beyond the Return" initiative. "This is organic promotion money cannot buy," noted one supporter, reflecting the sentiment that Watkins' presence validates Ghanaian identity on a global stage.

IShowSpeed reacted to the news with visible emotion during his "Thank You Ghana" tribute at Independence Square, playing the guitar and expressing deep gratitude to the nation for welcoming him "as family."

Some officials from the main opposition New Patriotic Party (NPP) have raised concerns about the "hasty" nature of the approval. While some lawmakers acknowledge the tourism benefits, others have accused the NDC-led Foreign Ministry of "populist diplomacy."

“They may waive certain steps for him… but he has to go through the law,” noted Member of Parliament Patrick Boamah. “Speed does not fall within the ambit of Section 7… he has to go through the processes at the Ministry of the Interior to either be naturalised or granted dual nationality.”

The Constitution and the Legal Path to Citizenship

This digital-first announcement has prompted a closer look at the legal framework governing such a rapid grant of nationality. Under Article 8 of the 1992 Constitution of Ghana and the Citizenship Act of 2000 (Act 591), Ghanaian nationality is primarily determined by jus sanguinis (bloodline). The approval for Watkins hinges on "irrefutable ties" confirmed by the Ministry. The Ohio-born creator revealed during a livestream that his mother is of Asante descent, telling fans, “I’m back home.” During his visit, he was also honoured in a traditional naming ceremony in Akropong, receiving the name Barima Kofi Akuffo.

Under Section 7 of Act 591, any person born outside Ghana is a citizen by birth if either parent or a grandparent is a citizen. While heritage is a valid claim, the NPP argues that the legal mandate for naturalisation sits with the Ministry of Interior, not Foreign Affairs. The government appears to be leaning on Watkins' heritage to bypass traditional bureaucracy, formalising a relationship that serves the state's broader cultural agenda.

The Jollof Derby: A Deficit in Culinary Soft Power

Beyond the legalities of citizenship, the tour reignited the "Jollof Wars"—the fierce cultural rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria. On January 21, while in Lagos, Watkins sampled Nigerian Jollof and declared it the best he had ever tasted. When he arrived in Accra on January 26, the stakes were high as local vendors attempted to sway his palate.

However, the verdict was a blow to Ghanaian culinary pride: Watkins maintained that Nigeria’s version remained superior. The moment immediately went viral, leading some Ghanaian journalists to demand an apology from "Chickenman Pizzaman"—the local brand that served him—for "embarrassing the nation." In the realm of soft power, while Ghana secured the legal win by approving his passport, Nigeria claimed the cultural victory by winning the heart (and stomach) of the world’s biggest streamer.

The "Shea Butter Effect": Presidential Humour and Market Growth

The impact extended beyond politics to the presidency and local industry. At the launch of the SheaPark Resource Hub in Wa, President John Mahama humorously recounted watching a clip of Watkins at the Shea Butter Museum. Mahama noted his children were excited about the visit and predicted Watkins' return due to his intensive 10-person shea butter massage. Experts now call this the "IShowSpeed Effect," as the museum reached maximum capacity following the broadcast.

“The way he was enjoying it, he opened his mouth as if he couldn't breathe. That guy, I'm sure he'll come back here,” President Mahama predicted.

Digital Cultural Capital: 51 Million Reasons to Celebrate

The economic argument lies in Watkins' massive digital footprint. Now exceeding 51 million YouTube subscribers, his tour generated unprecedented engagement. For a country competing for tourism with global hubs, Watkins provided what analysts call a "masterclass in perception economics," reaching a Gen Z demographic that traditional $100 million (approx. GH₵1.09 billion) advertising campaigns often miss.

Comparative Diplomacy: Ghana’s Unique Stand

Notably, Ghana stands as the only nation among the 21 visited—including Nigeria, South Africa, and Kenya—to formalise Watkins' status with a passport. While other nations offered cultural inductions or high-level welcomes, Ghana was the unique outlier to integrate him into its legal citizenry. This offers a contrast to the United States, where passports are strictly administrative. Ghana uses its citizenship as a strategic tool for "Diaspora Diplomacy," viewing the passport as a formal invitation for global influencers to invest "social capital" back into the motherland.

Official Endorsement and Wode Maya’s Response

Foreign Minister Ablakwa remains firm, celebrating Watkins and fellow creator Wode Maya as "worthy ambassadors." In his official announcement directed at Wode Maya, Ablakwa wrote:
"@wode_maya… I am pleased to inform you and our compatriots that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has approved the issuance of a Ghanaian Passport to IShowSpeed. Keep making our great nation, Ghana, and our beloved African continent proud."

Wode Maya, who was instrumental in hosting the streamer, responded to the Minister by praising the government's ability to "listen to the digital generation." He emphasised that bridging the gap between national policy and the youth is essential for the continent's modern growth.

The Diplomatic Horizon: Identity in a Borderless Digital Age

Ultimately, the approval of IShowSpeed’s passport serves as a litmus test for 21st-century sovereignty. By formalising Watkins' status, Ghana emerged as a strategic outlier among 21 nations that otherwise offered only cultural welcomes. For the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the streamer is a valuable asset capable of recalibrating Ghana-U.S. relations through shared heritage.

While legal purists worry about procedural precedents, the move signals a permanent shift in statecraft. Ghana is no longer just a nation-state; it is a global brand. By merging constitutional weight with viral influence, the government of Ghana has bet that in a borderless digital age, a passport is the key to a multi-million-dollar economy.