Ghanaian travel vlogger Wode Maya has revealed how he suggested that the Minister for Foreign Affairs consider issuing a Ghanaian passport to popular YouTuber iShowSpeed during the content creator’s visit to the country, a move that later drew widespread public debate.
Speaking in a conversation with broadcaster Lexis Bill, Wode Maya said the idea was driven by a desire to recognise iShowSpeed’s influence and his public embrace of African identity. He explained that he personally reached out to the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, proposing that the YouTuber be formally honoured.
“The guy has Ghanaian roots and openly says he is 100 per cent African,” Wode Maya said. “If he says he is African, then we can also say he is Ghanaian and welcome him home.”
Wode Maya said the minister initially did not see the message as he was travelling at the time and that iShowSpeed had already left Ghana when contact was made. However, he noted that the minister later proceeded with the gesture, which has since generated significant attention online.
Responding to critics who questioned the decision, Wode Maya argued that the move should be viewed beyond domestic politics. He said iShowSpeed’s global reach, with more than 50 million followers, presents a powerful opportunity for promoting Ghana internationally.
“Imagine someone with that following going around the world saying, ‘I’m Ghanaian,’” he said. “Look at how many people that could attract to the country.”
He criticised what he described as a tendency to politicise national initiatives, urging Ghanaians to prioritise development regardless of political affiliations. According to him, the benefits of such symbolic gestures often outweigh their drawbacks.
“Think global and think about the advantages,” Wode Maya said. “Yes, there are disadvantages in everything, but in this case, the advantages far outweigh them.”
The passport decision has continued to spark discussion on social media, highlighting broader debates about citizenship, national branding and the role of digital influencers in shaping Ghana’s image abroad.