The Deputy Chief Executive of the Ghana Tourism Authority (GTA), Gilbert Abeiku Aggrey, popularly known as Abeiku Santana, has detailed the assistance Ghana offered to American streamer IShowSpeed during his recent visit to the country.
In an interview with Nana Romeo on Okay FM, Abeiku Santana clarified that the GTA did not plan IShowSpeed’s itinerary but said several state institutions stepped in to support the visit.
According to him, the Authority facilitated visa-on-arrival arrangements for the streamer and his team, assisted with customs clearance for their equipment, and coordinated with national security agencies and the Inspector-General of Police to provide the necessary support.
He added that access to the Asenema Waterfalls was made possible through the intervention of the Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie. Abeiku noted that IShowSpeed’s team had been in regular contact with the Authority prior to his arrival and reached out whenever assistance was needed.
Separately, the Director of Diaspora Affairs, Kofi Okyere Darko, told Myjoyonline.com that his office helped secure a helicopter to facilitate IShowSpeed’s return journey from Akropong-Akuapem to Accra.
Abeiku Santana, however, dismissed claims that the GTA organised the jollof rice tasting session in which the streamer declared Nigeria the winner. He stressed that the Authority was not involved in planning that aspect of the visit.
IShowSpeed, a globally recognised content creator known for his energetic live streams and massive online following, visited Ghana as part of his broader international tour highlighting culture, cuisine and tourist attractions.
During his stay, he toured the Asenema Waterfalls and the palace at Akropong-Akuapem, where he was given the Ghanaian name Barima Kofi Akuffo. His itinerary also included visits to Black Star Square, the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, and boxing activities in Bukom. The tour ended at the Shea Butter Museum owned by entrepreneur Hammamat Montia in Accra, where he received a traditional farewell massage from 10 maidens.
