Nigerians lied to me about Ghana – Anthony Joshua

British-Nigerian boxing champion Anthony Joshua has shared his admiration for Ghana’s beauty, culture, and hospitality, admitting that he was previously misled by negative perceptions he picked up from Nigerians.

Speaking during a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 16, the two-time heavyweight world champion revealed that Ghana had never been on his travel list due to discouraging comments he heard during his time in Nigeria.

“I’ve been spending a lot of time in Nigeria recently, knowing that it’s important to know where you’re going, but just as important to know where you’ve come from. Coming to Ghana wasn’t on my agenda because, for some reason, everyone in Nigeria puts Nigeria up here and Ghana just here,” he said.

“I’m now here, and I’m looking around and I’m like, they’ve been lying to me.”

Joshua said he was deeply impressed with Ghana’s peaceful environment, friendly people, and well-organised infrastructure, describing the country as a hidden gem he now wants to promote across the globe.

“I’m very impressed — very 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 also expressed a strong desire to use sports as a platform to attract investments into Ghana and the wider African continent.

“Sports got me into a room like this, so I understand its influence. I’ve been calling friends, speaking about ways we can bring investment into Ghana and into Africa. I understand some of your policies and what you’re trying to do. As a sportsman, I know sports is short-lived, and we eventually cross into business.”

Joshua arrived in Ghana on Friday, June 13, to headline the “Battle of the Beasts” boxing event held at the Bukom Boxing Arena in Accra. The event brought together top fighters and sports personalities and was organised by Sharaf Mahama, CEO of Legacy Rises Sports, in collaboration with Amir Khan, a former British welterweight champion.

The visit forms part of Joshua’s broader engagement with Africa and his mission to reconnect with his roots, inspire the youth, and explore business and development opportunities through sports.