President John Mahama has expressed willingness to make British-Nigerian boxer, Anthony Joshua, a Ghanaian citizen.
The Ghanaian president also appointed Anthony Joshua a continental ambassador for boxing, a move that reflects cultural solidarity and sporting diplomacy.
The offer was made during Joshua’s courtesy visit to the Jubilee House in Accra.
Joshua was received by President Mahama, Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and other dignitaries.
Visibly thrilled by Joshua’s presence and international influence, President Mahama praised the former unified world heavyweight champion for his global achievements and cultural impact.
“If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you,” Mahama declared, drawing applause from attendees. “He will be our ambassador. We need 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 he champions.”
The president noted that Joshua’s involvement could inspire a new generation of African boxers. “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,” Mahama added.
Joshua’s visit to Ghana, which began on Friday, June 13, has been filled with outreach activities, training sessions, and media engagements.
However, his trip also ignited fresh conversation about the long-standing cultural rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
In a candid moment at Jubilee House, Joshua admitted that Ghana had not originally been part of his travel plans, due in part to biased narratives he had encountered in Nigeria.
“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” Joshua 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 humorous admission was met with laughter and applause, highlighting the light-hearted but familiar rivalry between the two West African nations.
Joshua went on to express deep admiration for Ghana’s infrastructure, hospitality, and cultural richness.
“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,” he said.
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