The Government of Ghana has announced it is actively working with Canadian authorities to reverse the decision that blocks Thomas Partey from joining the Black Stars for their crucial opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government revealed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been in active discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, since the matter came to his attention.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been engaging Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, since this issue came to his attention,” the ministry stated.
The government revealed it had officially protested on June 11, sending a formal note to Global Affairs Canada and urging a swift reconsideration of the decision to deny the midfielder’s visa.
According to the statement, Canadian immigration authorities denied Partey’s temporary residence application on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
Although Canadian officials have not publicly detailed the reasons behind the decision, Ghanaian authorities indicated that they understand the refusal to be connected to ongoing criminal proceedings involving the midfielder in the United Kingdom, despite the absence of any conviction.
The government insisted that the principle of presumed innocence must be respected, voicing worry that barring entry due to unresolved legal matters casts doubt on fairness and due process.
Ghana holds hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts will secure a positive resolution before the Black Stars take on Panama in their highly anticipated Group L opener in Toronto on June 17.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs affirmed its readiness to explore every diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenue, including a judicial review in the Federal Court of Canada if the situation warrants.
Partey has consistently denied all allegations through his legal representatives, and the case remains before the courts in the United Kingdom.
Despite the Canadian visa hurdle, the midfielder is cleared to play in Ghana’s other Group L matches in the United States, having secured the required tournament authorization.
