President John Mahama offered Anthony Joshua Ghanaian citizenship and an ambassadorial role for African boxing during his visit to Accra

The Anthony Joshua Ghana visit has led to a significant offer from President John Mahama.

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The former Ghanaian leader has extended an offer of Ghanaian citizenship to the British-Nigerian boxing icon.

He also urged Joshua to serve as a continental ambassador for the sport across Africa, as reported by The PUNCH.

This notable offer occurred during Joshua’s courtesy visit to the Jubilee House.

His visit forms part of his engagements in Accra for the Legacy RISE Sports: Battle of the Beasts boxing event.

High-profile attendees at the meeting included Ghanaian boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy RISE Sports.

President Mahama, visibly delighted by Joshua’s presence and influence, presented the former world heavyweight champion with the offer of Ghanaian citizenship.

This gesture recognised Joshua’s achievements and his strong cultural connection to the West African nation. “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you,” Mahama stated, acknowledging Joshua’s iconic status.

The president broadened his invitation with a vision for wider 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.

Mahama expressed hope that Joshua’s involvement would inspire future generations. “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 actively participated in several events linked to the boxing show.

These activities included training sessions, community outreach visits, and various public engagements. His time in Ghana has also sparked reflection on the long-standing cultural rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.

During his Jubilee House visit, the British-Nigerian boxer admitted he had not originally planned a trip to Ghana. He cited narratives heard in Nigeria as a contributing factor.

“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 candid assessment drew laughter and applause from the attendees. Joshua then expressed admiration for Ghana’s culture, infrastructure, and hospitality.

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“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 concluded.