The Government of Ghana has intensified diplomatic efforts following Canada’s decision to deny a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the country’s opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama in Toronto.
In a strongly worded statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, Ghana described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair” and revealed that it had formally protested the move through diplomatic channels.
According to the government, Canadian authorities based the refusal on ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom, despite there being no conviction or judicial finding of guilt. Ghana stressed the importance of the presumption of innocence, arguing that relying on unproven allegations raises serious concerns about fairness and due process.
The Foreign Ministry disclosed that an official note of protest has already been sent to Global Affairs Canada, while Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has engaged Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, in efforts to secure a review of the decision. The government says it is also exploring all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law.
The visa refusal means Partey will miss Ghana’s World Cup opener against Panama, although he remains eligible for the Black Stars’ subsequent group matches in the United States against England and Croatia. FIFA has maintained that visa and immigration matters remain solely within the jurisdiction of host nations and are beyond its control.
Despite the setback, Ghana says it remains committed to constructive engagement with Canada and hopes the long-standing relationship between the two countries will help resolve the matter amicably before the tournament progresses.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Jones Adzi
