President John Mahama has offered Anthony Joshua Ghanaian citizenship and urged the British-Nigerian boxing icon to serve as a continental ambassador for the sport across Africa, The PUNCH reports.
The call was made during Joshua’s courtesy visit to the Jubilee House as part of his engagements in Accra for the Legacy RISE Sports: Battle of the Beasts boxing event.
Also present at the high-level meeting were Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy RISE Sports.
President Mahama, visibly thrilled by Joshua’s presence and influence, offered the former world heavyweight champion Ghanaian citizenship in recognition of his achievements and cultural connection to the country.
“If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you,” Mahama stated in recognition of Joshua’s iconic status.
The president went further, extending the invitation with a vision for broader impact.
“He will be our ambassador,” Mahama said.
“It needs people like him to help change the lives of young people, and so 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 at the heart of several activities associated with the event, including training sessions, outreach visits, and public engagements.
His time in Ghana has also prompted reflection on the long-standing cultural rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
Also speaking during his visit to the Jubilee House, the British-Nigerian boxer admitted that he had not originally intended to visit Ghana, partly due to narratives he had heard in Nigeria.
“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” Joshua explained.
“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 assessment drew laughter and applause from those in attendance. Joshua went on to express admiration for Ghana’s culture, infrastructure and hospitality.
“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.(punch)
