Ghana protests Canada's refusal of Thomas Partey's visa

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has formally protested Canada's decision to deny a temporary residence application submitted by Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

In a statement issued on June 13, 2026, the Government of Ghana described the decision as ‘high-handed and extremely unfair,’ arguing that it was based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in a conviction or judicial finding of guilt.

According to the statement, Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) determined that Partey was inadmissible under paragraph A36(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The government stressed that the decision raises concerns about fairness and due process.

"The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies," the statement said.

While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana maintained that relying on unresolved allegations without a judicial determination warrants closer scrutiny.

"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 added.

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The ministry disclosed that diplomatic efforts are already underway to seek a reversal of the decision.

It said an official note of protest was dispatched to Canadian authorities on June 11,2026 requesting a review of the visa refusal.

The statement further disclosed that Ablakwa has been engaging Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.

Ghana also indicated that it is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues, including a possible judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure what it described as a full and fair consideration of the case.

The government noted that Partey has been selected for Ghana's squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and urged Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision.

"Government further notes Mr Partey's selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law," the statement indicated.

Reaffirming Ghana's commitment to its longstanding relations with Canada, the government expressed optimism that ongoing diplomatic engagements would lead to an amicable resolution of the issue.

Read the statement below

MRA/EB

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