The Government of Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, describing the move as unfair and inconsistent with the fundamental legal principle of presumption of innocence.
In a statement issued on Saturday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Ghana has “strong reservations” about the decision by Canadian authorities to refuse Partey’s visa application ahead of the country’s participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
According to the ministry, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based the decision on inadmissibility provisions under Canadian immigration laws. The government noted that the refusal is reportedly linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving the player in the United Kingdom, despite the absence of any conviction or judicial determination of guilt.
Ghana argued that the presumption of innocence remains a cornerstone of democratic justice systems and expressed concern that unproven allegations had been relied upon in reaching the decision.
“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 statement said.
Diplomatic Efforts Underway
The Ministry disclosed that it has initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities in an effort to secure a review of the visa refusal.
According to the statement, an official note of protest was submitted to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, requesting reconsideration of the decision. The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has also engaged Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, as part of efforts to resolve the matter.
The government further revealed that it is exploring all available diplomatic, legal and administrative options under Canadian and international law. These measures could include seeking judicial review before Canada’s Federal Court if necessary.
Impact on Ghana’s World Cup Campaign
Government officials stressed that Partey’s inclusion in the Black Stars squad carries significant sporting implications for Ghana’s World Cup campaign and urged Canadian authorities to reconsider their position in the interest of fairness, due process and sporting equity.
The protest follows confirmation by FIFA that Partey will be unable to travel to Canada for Ghana’s opening Group H match against Panama after his visa application was denied. FIFA clarified that visa and immigration decisions fall exclusively within the authority of host nations and are beyond the jurisdiction of the world football governing body.
Despite the setback, Ghana expressed optimism that ongoing diplomatic engagements could lead to an amicable resolution and reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Canada.
Partey, who currently plays for Spanish club Villarreal, has denied all allegations against him and is expected to remain available for Ghana’s subsequent World Cup fixtures scheduled to be played in the United States.
