President Mahama’s offer of Ghanaian citizenship to British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has sparked lively online debates, fueling the Ghana-Nigeria rivalry once again.
The announcement by President John Mahama offering Anthony Joshua Ghanaian citizenship has stirred lively reactions and debates across West Africa, especially on social media.
The president’s proposal, which also named Joshua as a continental ambassador for boxing, has been widely discussed, with many seeing it as a bold gesture of cultural pride and sports diplomacy.
The offer came during Joshua’s visit to the Jubilee House in Accra, where he met with Mahama, boxing legend Azumah Nelson, Sports Minister Kofi Adams, and other top officials. Enthralled by Joshua’s achievements, Mahama said, “If you want us to give you a Ghanaian passport, we will give you. He will be our ambassador. We need people like him to help change the lives of young people. We wish him to be an ambassador for boxing in Africa and take that as one of the causes he champions.”
The president also highlighted Joshua’s potential influence on the continent’s youth. “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 added.
Anthony Joshua’s trip to Ghana, which began on June 13, has included community outreach, training sessions, and media interviews. But it was his honesty during his visit that further fueled public interest.
“Coming to Ghana actually wasn’t on my agenda,” Joshua admitted. “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 light-hearted remark, followed by laughter and applause, reflected the long-standing and friendly cultural rivalry between Nigeria and Ghana.
Joshua continued with praise for Ghana: “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.”
Reactions on social media quickly poured in.
@FranciscoBrainy wrote, “Ghana sef wan taste greatness. Who no like better thing?”
@Dharnyelpeter said, “He should promote the country globally.”
@Tj_kristoff tweeted, “So this man wan collect Anthony Joshua from us.”
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@ToheebAlim referenced a Yoruba saying, “Mr President, like Yoruba used to say, Aya Ole langba, enikan kii gba omo Ole. We no gree.”
@the_funmishow added, “😂 Since they can win with the jollof bants, they want to try and take one of our own. Nice try Ghana, nice try 😁”
Others showed admiration:
@dreal_beebee: “Wow. Nice.”
@pipiru22: “Antony Joshua knows that Ghana is better than Nigeria.”
@AkanniCFC: “Anthony, no give what belong to Nigeria give Ghana oh.”
The conversation has blended humor, patriotism, and pride, making Anthony Joshua’s visit more than just a sports affair—it’s now a moment of pan-African connection and a friendly cultural tug-of-war.