Anthony Joshua Offered Ghanaian Citizenship & Named Boxing Ambassador

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua received a warm welcome in Ghana as he paid a courtesy visit to former President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House during his stay in Accra for the Legacy RISE: Sports Battle of the Beasts event.

The high-profile sporting event was spearheaded by President Mahama’s son, Sharaf Mahama, as part of efforts to promote youth engagement and celebrate sporting excellence across Africa.

During their meeting, President Mahama offered Anthony Joshua Ghanaian citizenship in recognition of his global accomplishments and deep-rooted ties to Ghana. In addition to the honorary citizenship, the former President named Joshua a Boxing Ambassador for the African continent, underscoring his role as a symbol of inspiration for aspiring athletes across Africa.

“Anthony Joshua’s achievements in the ring have elevated him to a global icon, and we are proud to claim him as one of our own,” Mahama said. “His dedication, resilience, and strong values represent the kind of spirit we want to nurture in our youth.”

The two-time heavyweight champion, whose parents have Nigerian and partly Ghanaian heritage, expressed gratitude for the recognition and pledged to support youth empowerment and sports development in Africa.

The visit marks a meaningful moment in Joshua’s growing relationship with Ghana and highlights the country’s increasing efforts to use sports as a tool for diplomacy, identity, and development.