Ghana protests Canada's visa refusal for Partey ahead of World Cup opener

The Ghanaian government has formally challenged Canada's decision to deny a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey and says it is pursuing diplomatic and legal options to have the ruling reviewed before Ghana's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described the decision by Canadian authorities as "high-handed and extremely unfair", arguing that it was based on criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in a conviction.

The move comes after Canada's immigration authorities refused Partey's application for temporary entry into the country, potentially ruling him out of Ghana's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on 17 June.

According to the government, the decision relied on provisions of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which officials say were applied despite the absence of any judicial finding of guilt against the player.

Ghana seeks review

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said it had lodged an official protest with Canadian authorities and requested an immediate review of the decision.

It disclosed that a diplomatic note was sent to Global Affairs Canada on 11 June, raising concerns over what Ghana considers a departure from the principle of presumption of innocence.

"While respecting Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality," the ministry said.

The government added that it was prepared to explore all available diplomatic, administrative and legal remedies under Canadian law, including seeking judicial review before Canada's Federal Court if necessary.

Diplomatic efforts intensify

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is reported to have engaged Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, as efforts continue to resolve the matter before Ghana's first World Cup fixture.

The ministry said Partey's inclusion in Ghana's World Cup squad carried significant sporting implications and urged Canadian authorities to reconsider their position.

It maintained that any decision affecting the player should be guided by due process and the principles underpinning common law systems.

World Cup setback

Partey's potential absence would represent a major setback for the Black Stars, with the midfielder regarded as one of the team's most experienced players heading into the tournament.

The government said it remained hopeful that the matter could be resolved through dialogue, citing the longstanding diplomatic relationship between Ghana and Canada.

"Ghana remains committed to constructive engagement with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights and the presumption of innocence," the statement said.