Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is the Minister of Foreign Affairs
American streamer Darren Watkins Jr, popularly known as IShowSpeed, has become the centre of discussions across both traditional and social media following his iconic visit to the country.
One may recall that on January 26, 2026, IShowSpeed held his much-anticipated live stream in the country as part of his Africa tour, aimed at experiencing the culture and heritage of the continent.
Following his visit, several issues have emerged. However, one particular matter that has sparked nationwide conversation is the issuance of a Ghanaian passport to the American streamer by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
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In a social media post dated January 27, 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, stated that the approval followed discussions with Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya and subsequent confirmation of IShowSpeed’s “irrefutable ties” to Ghana.
In the post, the minister also encouraged the American streamer to continue promoting Ghana and Africa on the global stage, describing him as a worthy ambassador whose influence extends beyond entertainment.
“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,” the minister stated.
Following the minister’s post, scores of netizens have taken to social media to express diverse views.
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In a series of comments online and on traditional media platforms, some Ghanaians have criticised the minister, questioning his motive behind what they described as the “hurried” issuance of a Ghanaian passport to IShowSpeed.
While some netizens continue to drag Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa online, others have praised him for the decision.
According to supporters, granting the Ghanaian passport would encourage the streamer to patronise Ghana during his live streams, among other benefits.
Read some of the reactions below:
so those of us who live and work here for years, paying taxes, struggling with trotro, light off, etc., still contributing our quota have to struggle every year with foreign ID card, pay loads of money for resident permit, but a social media influencer breezes in and boom!
— JDS – PhD (@elderjds) January 27, 2026
I haven’t seen any other country minister posting or saying this about speed through out his Africa tour but only Ghanaian minister taking things personal because of dirty politics.. shame
— HIGHEST ➕ (@nanasark10) January 27, 2026
So the Ghanaian passport is that cheap. All u need to do is be a celebrity and say u have tired to Ghana. Whole citizens need to provide birth certificates. Gh card. Affidavit that’s gazetted.witnesses and guarantors. U were the same person say foreigner can’t have our passport
— Tesano CNN︻-デπ═一🟫◻️🟩 (@TesanoCnn) January 28, 2026
You people just dish out Ghanaian passports anyhow. NPP did same, now you follow suit. Foolishness
— Josiah (@Nanaskovich) January 27, 2026
What you can’t give to your people, you are shaking nyash for a 21 year old nobody In America..
— Mr NECI (@emmnuelneci) January 28, 2026
Is a Ghanaian passport awarded or applied for?? and what’s the process cuz acquiring an American passport isn’t automatically awarded ‼️ Also I feel like everything yall do is for clout tho
— 🔱Og🦉ThatStoic🖖🏾 (@Lechiboroni) January 27, 2026
This is how soft power is done.
Culture, influence, and identity meeting policy. Ghana welcoming IShowSpeed while celebrating creators like you shows we understand the power of storytelling in nation-building.
For God, Country & Continent, indeed. Africa is branding itself,…— DeLightBringer Kiko ☀️ (@KSnetne) January 27, 2026
This is a good gesture. Extremely Brilliant. Before the Nigerians claim him. They steal everything from Ghana and make it their own anyways.
— 𐌃ꫀwil (@dewil___) January 27, 2026
Honestly, I did not want to say anything but let me draw your attention to this Okudzeto, you might think handing him a passport is a step in the right direction but trust me it’s so lame.
Wode Maya has been too America and various countries, when did you ever hear them hand…
— Nana Yaw Jrr. (@nanayawjrr) January 28, 2026
When culture, identity and polished brand meets policy, diplomacy and governance. Thanks Hon. SOA for this timely policy decision that will spur the tourism of Ghana and that of Africa to the global stage. Governance should be this soft, easy and effervescent.
— MPK 𓃵 (@MPKwarteng_) January 27, 2026
Awesome this is beautiful let’s expect Ishowspeed part 2 in Ghana
— Jerry💫 (@XActivistJerry) January 27, 2026
So the Ghanaian passport is that cheap. All u need to do is be a celebrity and say u have tired to Ghana. Whole citizens need to provide birth certificates. Gh card. Affidavit that’s gazetted.witnesses and guarantors. U were the same person say foreigner can’t have our passport
— Tesano CNN︻-デπ═一🟫◻️🟩 (@TesanoCnn) January 28, 2026
so those of us who live and work here for years, paying taxes, struggling with trotro, light off, etc., still contributing our quota have to struggle every year with foreign ID card, pay loads of money for resident permit, but a social media influencer breezes in and boom!
— JDS – PhD (@elderjds) January 27, 2026
Barley 24hr passport being done for a foreigner but it will take a local man months to get one . All African leaders are the same and God is watching
— JÖË (@MrBiscate1) January 27, 2026
I haven’t seen any other country minister posting or saying this about speed through out his Africa tour but only Ghanaian minister taking things personal because of dirty politics.. shame
— HIGHEST ➕ (@nanasark10) January 27, 2026
JHM/SSM
Meanwhile, watch the 2025 GhanaWeb Excellence Awards Unveiling of Nominees:
