American streaming giant IShowSpeed (Darren Watkins Jr.) took Ghana by storm this Monday. Kicking off the Ghana leg of his "Speed Does Africa" tour, the 21-year-old brought
massive global attention to the country's most iconic landmarks.
The journey began at the Asenema Waterfall in Akropong, where thousands of fans watched live on YouTube. The day was a whirlwind of culture, backflips, and high-octane energy.
Highlights of the Royal & Cultural Visit
In Akropong, the streamer transitioned from a global celebrity to a local son during a traditional welcoming ceremony:
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Royal Meeting: Speed met with the Okuapehene Oseadeeyo Kwasi Akuffo III.
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New Identity: He was officially named Barima Kofi Akuffo during a sacred naming ceremony.
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Traditional Regalia: The streamer was gifted a vibrant Kente cloth and traditional sandals.
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Heritage Connection: During his stream, Speed shared that his maternal roots trace back to Ghana.
Black Star Square and the Boxing Ring
The tour hit maximum intensity in Accra, where Speed showcased his athleticism and connected with local "street" culture:
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Acrobatics: He performed a viral backflip at the top of the Black Star monument.
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Jollof Wars: He sampled Ghanaian Jollof rice live, adding new fuel to the ongoing culinary debate with Nigeria.
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Bukom Boxing: Speed entered the ring at the Bukom Boxing Arena for a match with local pros, even sparring with boxing icon Bukom Banku.
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Recognition: Following the visit, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs approved a Ghanaian passport for the star, citing his "irrefutable ties" to the nation.
The day concluded at Hamamat Africa, where Speed experienced a traditional shea butter massage—a relaxing end to a day that generated millions of global impressions for Ghana’s tourism.
The Bottom Line
American streamer IShowSpeed solidified his ties to Ghana this week, receiving the name Barima Kofi Akuffo and a national passport after a viral tour of Akropong and Accra.
