Minister Ablakwa Grants IShowSpeed Ghanaian Passport
American YouTube star and influencer IShowSpeed has officially been granted a Ghanaian passport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on Tuesday, January 27. The approval, confirmed by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, comes after verification of the streamer’s strong ties to Ghana and his role in promoting the country on a global stage.
“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,” Minister Ablakwa said. He described the influencer as a deserving ambassador who goes beyond entertainment and challenged him to continue showcasing Ghana and Africa worldwide.
IShowSpeed recently concluded his “Speed Does Africa” tour in Ghana on Monday, January 26, drawing huge crowds and significant international media attention. The visit allowed him to immerse himself in Ghanaian culture and heritage, further cementing his connection to the country.
The announcement comes amid another high-profile moment during his visit: the viral jollof rice tasting that reignited the long-standing culinary rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria. While social media erupted with reactions after the YouTuber appeared to favour Nigerian jollof rice, the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA) quickly clarified that it had no involvement in the event.
Deputy CEO of the GTA, Gilbert Abeiku Santana, stated, “GTA is not responsible for his plan, so I don’t know who cooked the jollof,” firmly rejecting suggestions that the authority orchestrated the tasting. Santana emphasised that IShowSpeed’s activities in Ghana, including his culinary experiences, were independently arranged and not endorsed or supervised by the GTA.
The incident highlighted the cultural significance of jollof rice in West Africa and illustrated the influence social media personalities can wield over global cultural narratives, intentionally or otherwise. Despite the controversy, the GTA reaffirmed its commitment to promoting Ghana’s tourism and culinary heritage through official channels.
Minister Ablakwa’s announcement signals Ghana’s continued openness to members of the African diaspora who contribute positively to the nation’s image, while also reinforcing the country’s appeal as a hub for cultural exchange and global engagement.
With a Ghanaian passport now officially in hand, IShowSpeed joins a growing list of international figures embracing their African heritage while continuing to shine a spotlight on Ghana’s culture, tourism, and vibrant culinary traditions.
