
The “Speed Effect” was in full force on Monday, January 26, 2026, as American streaming sensation IShowSpeed stormed Ghana as part of his highly anticipated African tour.
While the visit was packed with viral moments, it has emerged that the 21-year-old YouTuber had to scrap several high-profile stops due to overwhelming crowds and a tight schedule.
A Royal Welcome in Akropong
Speed’s Ghanaian adventure kicked off with a deep dive into local culture.
The streamer traveled to Akropong Akuapem, where he visited the King’s Palace. In a colorful customary ceremony, the streamer was officially bestowed with the Ghanaian name Barima Kofi Akuffo.
Before leaving the Eastern Region, he took time to unwind at the Asenema Waterfalls, where he was filmed receiving a traditional massage under the falling water—a clip that has since set social media ablaze.
Chaos and Car Stunts in the Capital
Returning to Accra, the energy reached fever pitch. At the Black Star Square, Speed didn’t disappoint his fans, performing his signature backflip against the backdrop of the iconic Black Star Gate.
The visit also featured:
● A taste test of the legendary Ghanaian Jollof.
● High-octane car stunts that drew massive cheers.
● An educational tour of the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park & Museum to pay homage to Ghana’s first president.
The “Missed” Itinerary: Why Some Fans Were Left Disappointed
Despite the success of the tour, many fans waiting at popular Accra hotspots were left wanting. Speaking in an interview with Okay FM on January 27, the Deputy CEO of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Abeiku Santana, revealed that the original itinerary was much more extensive.
According to Santana, the sheer volume of fans following the streamer’s convoy made it impossible to navigate to certain locations safely.
“He was supposed to see Reggie Rockstone and go to the Despite Automobile Museum. However, how things worked out yesterday, he couldn’t visit some of the planned places. Republic Bar, Osu Night Market, GoldBold Jewelry—they were all part of the itinerary, but he couldn’t visit them all,” Santana explained.
The cancelled stops included:
● Despite Automobile Museum: To see the luxury car collection of Osei Kwame Despite.
● Rockz Waakye: A planned meeting with the “Grandpapa” of Hiplife, Reggie Rockstone.
● Osu Night Market & Republic Bar: To experience Accra’s famous nightlife and street food culture.
● GoldBold Jewelry: A scheduled stop for some Ghanaian bling.
A Win for Ghanaian Tourism
While the “Barima Kofi Akuffo” tour ended earlier than expected for some, the impact on Ghana’s digital visibility has been massive.
The tour, aimed at showcasing Africa’s cultural diversity, successfully put Ghana’s heritage and hospitality on the global map, proving once again that the “Gateway to Africa” remains a top destination for global icons.





