Partey Visa Refusal: Barker-Vormawor questions public outrage

Private legal practitioner and activist Oliver Barker-Vormawor has criticised the public over their outrage following Canada’s decision to deny Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey a temporary residence visa in Canada for the tournament, amid his ongoing criminal case in the UK.

In a social media post on June 14, 2026, he stated, "So Ghanaians are going about shouting over Thomas Partey. Does it ever dawn on you that even though he is facing 7 counts of rape and 1 count of sexual assault, he is on bail and can still attend a World Cup?".

Authorities should have anticipated Partey's visa issues — Bosome Freho MP

Barker-Vormawor pointed out what he sees as contradictions in public expectations and the legal framework.

He criticised Ghana’s criminal justice system, arguing that public attitudes often reinforce overly restrictive approaches to bail and pre-trial liberty.

According to him, suspects granted bail are frequently subjected to strict reporting conditions that can last for years, even before a trial begins.

"In Ghana, to get bail for someone accused of a misdemeanour offence is like a battle against the devil. We treat personal liberty like you are asking for the Judge’s virginity.

"Such strange, strange people. Even when you are on bail, you can be reporting every month/2weeks to court for 4 years when the trial hasn’t even started. And even though nothing is happening, dare you miss 1 day. They will issue a bench warrant," he noted.

Partey is facing trial in the UK on eight charges, including seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, stemming from allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022.

He has pleaded not guilty to all charges

Meanwhile, the government has urged Canada to review its decision to deny Partey entry to the country.

Ghana will face Panama in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.

See the post below:

So Ghanaians going about shouting loud about Thomas Partey.

Does it ever dawn on you that even though he is facing 7 counts of rape and 1 count of sexual assault., He is on bail; and can even attend a World Cup?

And Because Trial date is fixed for June 2027; he is allowed to go…

— Osagyefo Oliver Barker-Vormawor (@barkervogues) June 14, 2026

JKB/EB

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