IShowSpeed Granted Ghanaian Citizenship! Why Speed Received a Ghana Passport After Viral 50M Milestone in Nigeria
The Speed Does Africa Tour Finale has delivered a moment no one saw coming. After hitting a historic 50 million subscribers in Nigeria, IShowSpeed (Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has now been officially granted Ghanaian citizenship. The announcement, confirmed by Ghana’s Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, instantly sparked debate across West Africa and reignited the long-standing Nigeria vs Ghana rivalry.
What began as a viral content tour has evolved into a cultural milestone. While Nigeria provided Speed’s biggest streaming moment, Ghana offered something far deeper — identity, recognition, and a passport that changed the narrative of the entire tour.
The “Irrefutable Ties”: Why Ghana Claimed Speed
During his explosive livestreams in Accra, Ghana, Speed revealed a personal detail that quickly caught national attention. He told fans that his mother has Ghanaian ancestry, a statement that transformed his visit from entertainment to heritage.
Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa later confirmed that the government had verified Speed’s “irrefutable ties” to the country. This decision falls under Ghana’s Beyond the Return initiative, a program designed to reconnect the African diaspora with their roots and elevate Ghana’s global cultural influence.
Rather than being symbolic, the move was strategic. Ghana recognized Speed’s unmatched reach among Gen Z audiences worldwide and positioned him as a bridge between Africa and global youth culture.
Nigeria vs Ghana: Who Really Won the Speed Does Africa Tour?
The announcement immediately reignited the famous West African rivalry. Fans across Nigeria and Ghana rushed to social media, debating which country truly owned Speed’s most iconic African moment.
Nigeria’s claim is powerful. Speed reached 50 million subscribers on January 21 while trapped in Lagos traffic on his 21st birthday. The Lekki chaos, raw street energy, and collaborations with stars like Zlatan Ibile and Jarvis produced some of the most viral clips of the entire tour.
That Lagos moment has since been compared to other viral cultural moments, including the ongoing debate explored in our breakdown of whether Peller or Speed truly dominated Nigeria’s internet space .
Ghana’s win, however, went beyond numbers. In Akropong, Speed participated in a traditional naming ceremony where he was given the name Barima Kofi Akuffo. Shortly after, he received his official Ghanaian passport — a gesture Nigeria never extended.
A Tour That Changed Africa’s Global Image
The 28-day journey across more than 20 African countries reshaped how millions view the continent. From South Africa to Rwanda and Morocco, Speed’s livestreams highlighted a youthful, vibrant, and modern Africa rarely shown in mainstream media.
Moments like racing wildlife in Southern Africa and celebrating major football events across North Africa showcased a side of the continent driven by culture, energy, and global relevance.
Minister Ablakwa publicly described Speed as a “worthy ambassador”, praising his role in reshaping Africa’s digital image and urging him to continue representing both Ghana and the wider continent with pride.
What’s Next for the New Ghanaian Citizen?
With the tour complete, Speed’s new citizenship unlocks long-term opportunities across Africa. Industry analysts estimate his net worth at over $20 million, and his influence continues to expand beyond streaming into tourism, culture, and digital diplomacy.
Holding the unofficial title of “Most Influential Creator of 2025”, Speed is now positioned not just as a visitor, but as a stakeholder in Africa’s global story. Future projects, extended stays, and deeper collaborations are now more likely than ever.
One thing is clear: the Speed Does Africa tour didn’t just end with viral clips — it ended with a passport that permanently tied Speed’s name to African history.
Stay locked in for exclusive updates, cultural breakdowns, and verified news from the Speed Does Africa era.
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