British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua has been offered Ghanaian citizenship and appointed as a continental ambassador for boxing by President John Mahama.
The offer was made during Joshua’s courtesy visit to the Jubilee House in Accra, part of his participation in the *Legacy RISE Sports: Battle of the Beasts* event. In attendance were Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy RISE Sports.
President Mahama praised Joshua’s global influence and cultural ties to Ghana, stating,
“If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you.”
He further emphasized Joshua’s potential to inspire youth across the continent:
“He will be our ambassador. It needs people like him to help change the lives of young people. We wish him to be an ambassador for boxing in Africa.”
The president added that Joshua’s leadership could pave the way for a new generation of African boxing talent.
Joshua, who arrived in Accra on June 13, has engaged in various outreach and training activities. Reflecting on his visit, he admitted that Ghana hadn’t initially been on his travel list due to perceptions shared in Nigeria.
“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” he said. “For some reason, everyone in Nigeria puts Nigeria above Ghana. But I’m here now, and I’m looking around thinking—they’ve been lying to me.”
His candid remarks were met with laughter and applause. He went on to praise Ghana’s culture, infrastructure, and hospitality:
“I’m impressed with your beautiful country, amazing culture, hospitality, the airport, the organisation… I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone how beautiful this place is.”
