In a remarkable trend, several prominent American figures have recently embraced their connection to Ghana by acquiring citizenship. This movement has gained traction, particularly following the announcement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in January 2026, which revealed that popular livestreamer Darren Jason Watkins Jr., known as IShowSpeed, would be granted a Ghanaian passport.
IShowSpeed’s journey to citizenship began during his visit to Ghana, where he discovered that his mother has Ghanaian roots. The highlight of his trip was a traditional naming ceremony, where he received the name Berimah Kofi Akuffo, symbolizing his newfound ties to the nation.
The decision to grant him citizenship has sparked a variety of reactions among the public, but it is part of a broader pattern of American celebrities being welcomed into the Ghanaian community.
One notable case occurred on May 13, 2024, when music legend Stevie Wonder was officially granted Ghanaian citizenship on his 74th birthday. The ceremony took place at Jubilee House in Accra, where President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo presented him with a certificate and a passport, marking a significant moment in the musician’s life.
In addition to IShowSpeed and Stevie Wonder, Dr. Umar Johnson, a psychologist and Pan-African activist, also took an oath of allegiance in January 2025, joining a group of 200 African-Americans who became citizens that day. Moreover, reality television stars Yandy Smith and Mendeecees Harris were similarly recognized for their contributions to the cultural exchange between the United States and Ghana during that same event.
This growing trend of American celebrities receiving Ghanaian citizenship highlights the deepening connections between the two nations and reflects a broader interest in African heritage among the diaspora.
