Ghana’s Mahama Offers Citizenship to Anthony Joshua, AJ Breaks Silence on Nigeria-Ghana Feud

Ghanaian president John Mahama has stated his desire to grant Ghanaian citizenship to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua.
Additionally, in a move that exemplifies both sporting diplomacy and cultural togetherness, the president of Ghana named boxing’s continental ambassador Anthony Joshua.
Joshua made the offer while paying a courtesy call at the Jubilee House in Accra.

Along with other dignitaries, President Mahama, Ghanaian boxing icon Azumah Nelson, and Sports Minister Kofi Adams welcomed Joshua.

President Mahama, who was obviously delighted by Joshua’s arrival and global popularity, commended the former unified world heavyweight champion for his accomplishments and cultural effect.
The audience applauded as Mahama said, “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you.” He’ll represent us as ambassador. He is the kind of person we need to help transform the lives of youth. We want him to represent boxing in Africa and use that as one of the causes he supports.
A new generation of African boxers may be inspired by Joshua’s involvement, the president said. Following him, there will be a generation of boxers who will transform their home societies and make Africa proud. Ghanaians love you a lot as an icon,” Mahama continued.
Starting on Friday, June 13, Joshua’s trip to Ghana has been jam-packed with media appearances, training sessions, and outreach initiatives.

But his tour also sparked new discussions about Ghana and Nigeria’s long-standing cultural rivalry.

Read Also: Namadi Sambo Breaks Silence, Says He Didn’t Defect to APC

During an honest interview at Jubilee House, Joshua acknowledged that he had not initially planned to visit Ghana because of prejudiced stories he had heard in Nigeria.

Joshua stated, “I really didn’t have any plans to visit Ghana.” “Because, for whatever reason, everyone in Nigeria prioritizes Nigeria over Ghana.” But now that I’m here, I’m staring about as if they’ve been deceiving me.

Laughter and clapping greeted his lighthearted admission, underscoring the longstanding yet playful rivalry between the two West African countries.

Joshua continued by expressing his profound respect for Ghana’s hospitality, infrastructure, and cultural diversity.

He declared, “I’m impressed by your beautiful country, amazing culture, hospitality, the airport, and the organization, and I can’t wait to go back and tell everyone across the world how beautiful this place is.”