The Government of Ghana has expressed strong dissatisfaction with Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a press release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on June 13, the government described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” noting that the refusal was based on inadmissibility provisions under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
According to the statement, Canadian authorities are understood to have based their decision on pending criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom, despite the absence of any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
Ghana reiterated its commitment to the principle of the presumption of innocence, arguing that reliance on unproven allegations without a judicial determination raises concerns about fairness and proportionality.
While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, the government said it has initiated active diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to seek a review of the decision. The Ministry disclosed that an official note of protest was sent to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, requesting reconsideration of the visa denial.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is also reported to have engaged Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, over the matter.
The government further indicated that it is exploring all available diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenues under Canadian and international law, including the possibility of seeking judicial review before Canada’s Federal Court.
Citing Partey’s importance to Ghana’s World Cup campaign and the broader sporting implications of the decision, Ghana urged Canada to rescind the visa refusal in the interest of fairness and the principles of common law.
The statement concluded by reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding bilateral relations with Canada while pursuing an amicable resolution to the issue.
By: Bernard Mensah |Planbfmonline.com
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