Nigerians lied to me about Ghana, I didn’t know it was this beautiful — Anthony Joshua

British-Nigerian boxer Anthony Joshua has expressed his admiration for Ghana’s beauty, culture, and hospitality, admitting that he was misled by negative impressions from Nigerians about the country.

According to him, Ghana was never on his travel list because of the unflattering things he had heard about the country during his visits to Nigeria.

Speaking during a meeting with President John Dramani Mahama at the Jubilee House on Monday, June 16, the two-time heavyweight champion said Nigerians often place themselves above Ghanaians and painted a false picture of Ghana.

“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.”

Anthony Joshua said he was highly impressed by the country’s environment, people, and infrastructure and expressed eagerness to promote Ghana internationally.

“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 revealed plans to support Ghana by using sports as a tool to attract investment and development.

“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,” he added.

Joshua’s visit to Ghana on Friday, June 13, was to lead a star studded boxing event dubbed “Battle of the Beasts” at Bukom Boxing Arena.

The event was organized by Chief Executive Officer of Legacy Rise Sports Sharaf Mahama and former British welterweight champion Amir Khan.