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Ghana Divided Over Government’s Decision to Issue Passport to American Streamer IShowSpeed After Viral Visit

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The Ghanaian government’s swift decision to issue a Ghanaian passport to popular American YouTube and Twitch streamer IShowSpeed (real name Darren Jason Watkins Jr.) has ignited a heated national debate.

The controversy erupted after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on January 27, 2026—following IShowSpeed’s brief but high-profile visit to Accra on January 26 as part of his 28-day, 20-country “Speed Does Africa” tour—that the Ministry had approved the issuance of a Ghanaian passport.

The decision was based on “discussions and confirmation of the irrefutable ties of IShowSpeed to Ghana,” with the minister praising the 21-year-old influencer as a “worthy ambassador” for positively showcasing Ghana and Africa to his tens of millions of global followers.

Ablakwa encouraged IShowSpeed to continue promoting the country and continent, stating:

“Keep making our great nation Ghana and our beloved African continent proud. Ghana celebrates you.”

Image by GBC

Supporters hailed the move as innovative soft power strategy, arguing it leverages the streamer’s massive reach to boost tourism, cultural visibility, and economic branding. Comments on social media praised it as forward-thinking diplomacy:

“This is how soft power is done… Africa is branding itself,” and “Extremely Brilliant. Before the Nigerians claim him.”

However, the announcement sparked significant backlash, with critics accusing the government of devaluing the Ghanaian passport, favoritism toward celebrities, and inconsistent application of citizenship rules.

GHOne TV journalist and GH Today host Lily Mohammed delivered a scathing on-air critique, questioning the merit of granting citizenship after such a short visit:

“Wonyɛ serious? (you have not approached this seriously) … The person comes to Ghana for a day or two, and then you shove the Ghanaian passport into the person’s hands… What has he done for Ghana that he’s come to sit on our jollof?… Let’s put some value on our passports… Meanwhile, Ghanaians are queuing for passports.”

Mohammed contrasted the decision with Ghanaian YouTuber Wode Maya, who has long promoted the continent globally but received only a diplomatic passport after extensive discussions.

She added: “Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, you were somebody that we had high expectations of… For what achievement?”

Social media users echoed frustrations, highlighting bureaucratic struggles for ordinary citizens and residents:

“So those of us who live and work here… still contributing our quota have to struggle… but a social media influencer breezes in and boom!” and “The Ghanaian passport is that cheap. All u need to do is be a celebrity and say u have ties to Ghana.”

The passport issuance remains subject to further legal processes at the Ministry of the Interior under the amended Fees Act, 2025, including potential naturalization or dual nationality procedures. While some reports present the matter as granting citizenship or nationality, official statements focused on passport approval tied to demonstrated ties.

Amid the uproar, Lily Mohammed later issued a public apology, conceding that some comments were “overboard” and clarifying her critique targeted policy rather than the individual.

@hankgoodgaming

FAMOUS STREAMER ISHOWSPEED became the World Record most live tracked flight on Flightradar of all time! #aviation #planespotting #flightradar24 #avgeek #jet #fyp

♬ original sound – HankGoodGaming

The episode reflects broader tensions in Ghana about balancing global cultural promotion with equitable treatment of citizens and the symbolic weight of national documents.

IShowSpeed’s Ghana leg included massive fan turnouts, cultural experiences, and live streams that trended worldwide—his Accra flight even became the most tracked on Flightradar24—contributing to his emotional tour finale where he declared 100% African ancestry and announced donation plans.

Yet the passport decision seems to have shifted focus from celebration to scrutiny of governmental priorities.

Ghana News

Ex-President Akufo-Addo and President Mahama Exchange Pleasantries on Easter

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Kwahu, Ghana – Former President Nana Akufo-Addo paid a courtesy call on President John Dramani Mahama on Holy Saturday, April 4, 2026, while both leaders were in the Kwahu enclave for the annual Easter celebrations.

The meeting took place as President Mahama participated in activities linked to the Kwahu Business Forum, a major event held alongside the Easter festivities.

Akufo-Addo, who has maintained a nearly two-decade tradition of spending Easter in Kwahu, described the visit as a cordial engagement during the sacred period.

In a Facebook post, the former president wrote: “On the Holy Saturday of Easter, while in Kwahu where for almost two decades I have consecutively visited during the sacred period of Easter, I called on the President of the Republic, H. E. John Dramani Mahama who is also in Kwahu.”

The encounter highlights a moment of peaceful political civility between the current and immediate past leaders of Ghana amid the festive season. No further details about the substance of their discussion were made public.

The visit comes at a time when both leaders are actively involved in national and regional development conversations, with Mahama using the Kwahu platform to engage stakeholders on economic matters.

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Ghana News

Mahama Calls Christ’s Birthplace an ‘Epicentre of War’, New Airport Concourse Planned and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

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We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana to keep you informed.

‘It’s Painful Christ’s Birthplace Now an Epicentre of War’ – President Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has described the ongoing violence in the Middle East as a “painful irony,” noting that the birthplace of Christianity and the land where Christ preached love, forgiveness, and peace has become a major centre of conflict. In his Easter message delivered at Black Star Square on April 3, 2026, Mahama said the suffering in the Holy Land cannot be ignored during the season of Easter. He extended Ghana’s thoughts and prayers to the people of Israel, the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Iran, and the wider Middle East region, urging world leaders to embrace restraint, dialogue, and respect for human dignity.
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Gov’t to Construct New Concourse at Accra International Airport to Ease Congestion
The Ghana Airports Company Limited will begin construction this month on an ultra-modern concourse linking Terminal 2 and Terminal 3 at Kotoka International Airport. The project aims to eliminate current operational bottlenecks, enable seamless passenger transfers, and significantly improve hub efficiency. Key features include five additional passenger boarding bridges, five passenger holding areas, bi-directional travelators, new escalators and elevators, a VIP lounge, four business lounges, and four retail and duty-free pods. The expansion forms part of a broader modernisation drive to provide world-class facilities and strengthen Ghana’s position as a competitive aviation hub in West Africa.
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Gov’t Procures Over 24,000 Medical Equipment to Support Free Primary Healthcare Rollout
The Ghanaian government has acquired 24,534 pieces of medical equipment to strengthen health facilities ahead of the nationwide rollout of its free primary healthcare policy. The consignment, inspected by Health Minister Kwabena Mintah Akandoh, includes baby incubators, radiant warmers, oxygen concentrators, X-ray machines, ultrasound devices, laboratory analysers, vital signs monitors, glucometers, patient monitors, infusion devices, delivery beds, and hospital beds. The equipment will be distributed across government hospitals to improve diagnostics, newborn care, and overall service delivery at the primary level.
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Ghana to Manufacture First Vaccine with Support from Indonesia
Ghana is set to begin local production of its first vaccine with technical and partnership support from the Indonesian government. Honorary Consul of Indonesia to Ghana, Paskal A B Rois, confirmed that a high-level delegation from Ghana’s National Vaccine Institute, Food and Drugs Authority, and GIZ visited Indonesia late last year to finalise arrangements. Once operational, Ghana will become the third African country — after Senegal and South Africa — to manufacture vaccines domestically. The initiative is expected to enhance the country’s health security and reduce dependence on imported vaccines.
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No Business Thrives Without Trust in Justice System — Chief Justice
Chief Justice Paul Baffoe-Bonnie has emphasised that trust in the judicial system is essential for business growth and investor confidence in Ghana. Speaking at the Kwahu Business Forum on April 4, 2026, he stated that contracts must be honoured, property protected, and disputes resolved fairly and predictably for any economy to flourish. The Chief Justice announced that the judiciary is repositioning itself to become an active partner in creating a business-friendly environment anchored in the rule of law. He warned that delays and uncertainty in the justice system carry real economic costs by discouraging investment.
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Ghana President Convenes Emergency Cabinet Meeting to Cushion Ghanaians from Soaring Fuel Prices

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President John Dramani Mahama has convened an emergency cabinet meeting to address the sharp rise in fuel prices caused by the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, particularly the escalation involving Iran.

Speaking on Saturday, April 4, 2026, during the second day of the Kwahu Business Forum, President Mahama stated that the meeting will focus on practical interventions to ease the burden on citizens.

He specifically mentioned the possibility of adjustments in fuel margins and other components of the price build-up to help keep prices relatively stable while hoping for de-escalation of the conflict.

“I have called for this emergency cabinet meeting to decide on specific measures we can take to cushion petroleum prices,” Mahama said. “There are adjustments we can make, particularly in the margins, to help maintain relatively stable prices as we pray for the war to cease.”

The President assured Ghanaians that the government remains committed to protecting the economy from external shocks and has taken steps to build resilience.

“I can confidently tell you that the economy will not collapse because of the war in Iran,” he stated.

Mahama also commended transport unions for showing restraint by not immediately increasing lorry fares despite the fuel price surge.

He urged them to continue exercising patience as the government works on relief measures. Fuel prices rose significantly effective April 1, 2026, with petrol increasing to approximately GH¢13.30 per liter (a 15% hike) and diesel to GH¢17.10 per liter (a 19% hike) for the first half of April.

The government is reviewing options including reductions in margins and levies to provide relief to consumers.

This latest development highlights the direct link between global geopolitical tensions and domestic living costs in Ghana, as the government balances immediate relief with longer-term economic stability.

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