According to President John Mahama, Ghana may be open to granting Ghanaian citizenship to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua.
Anthony Joshua was also named a continental ambassador for boxing by the Ghanaian president, a step that demonstrates both sporting diplomacy and cultural harmony.
While on a courtesy call to the Jubilee House in Accra, Joshua made the offer.
President Mahama, Azumah Nelson, the legendary Ghanaian boxer, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and other dignitaries welcomed Joshua.
President Mahama complimented the former unified world heavyweight champion for his worldwide accomplishments and cultural influence, clearly excited by Joshua’s presence and influence.
When Mahama said, “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you,” the audience applauded. He will represent us as ambassador. For young people’s lives to be changed, we need individuals like him. One of the causes he supports is boxing, which is something we hope he will represent in Africa.
According to the president, Joshua’s participation can motivate a new generation of African boxers. A new generation of boxers will follow him, and they will transform their home societies and make Africa proud. You are a beloved symbol in Ghana,” Mahama continued.
Joshua’s trip to Ghana has been jam-packed with media appearances, training sessions, and outreach initiatives since it started on Friday, June 13.
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His visit did, however, also spark new discussion over the long-standing cultural rivalry between Ghana and Nigeria.
Joshua revealed candidly at Jubilee House that he had not initially planned to visit Ghana because of prejudiced stories he had heard in Nigeria.
Joshua stated that he had no intention of traveling to Ghana. Because, for some reason, Nigeria is viewed as superior to Ghana by everyone in Nigeria. Now that I’m here, though, I’m staring about as if they’ve been deceiving me.
The two West African countries’ lighthearted but well-known rivalry was highlighted by the laughs and clapping that greeted his amusing statement.
Joshua continued by expressing his profound respect for Ghana’s kindness, infrastructure, and cultural diversity.
“I am in awe of your stunning nation, incredible culture, hospitality, airport, and organization, and I am eager to return and share this place’s beauty with everyone on the planet,” he remarked.
