President John Mahama has offered Anthony Joshua Ghanaian citizenship and encouraged the British-Nigerian boxing champion to serve as a continental ambassador for boxing across Africa.
The offer was made during Joshua’s courtesy visit to Jubilee House in Accra, part of his engagements surrounding the Legacy RISE Sports: Battle of the Beasts boxing event.
In attendance were Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy RISE Sports.
Clearly moved by Joshua’s presence and global influence, President Mahama said, “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you,” acknowledging the boxer’s achievements and cultural ties to Ghana.
“He will be our ambassador,” Mahama added. “It needs people like him to help change the lives of young people. We wish him to be an ambassador for boxing in Africa and take that as one of the causes that he champions. After him, there will be a wave of boxers who would also make Africa proud and change the societies from which they come. You are an icon very much loved in Ghana.”
Joshua, who arrived in Accra on Friday, June 13, has been involved in various activities, including training sessions, outreach programmes, and public engagements tied to the event.
During his visit to Jubilee House, Joshua reflected on the cultural rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana, admitting Ghana hadn’t been on his travel plans initially.
“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” he said. “Because, for some reason, everyone in Nigeria puts Nigeria above Ghana. But I’m now here and I’m looking around like, they’ve been lying to me.”
His honest remarks sparked laughter and applause. Joshua continued, “I’m impressed with your beautiful country, amazing culture, hospitality, the airport, the organisation, and I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone across the world how beautiful this place is.”
