Sannie Daara calls on President Mahama to intervene in Partey's visa saga

Former Communications Director of the Ghana Football Association (GFA), Ibrahim Sannie Daara, has appealed to President John Dramani Mahama to ensure Thomas Partey’s visa issue is resolved.

As the team prepares to face Panama in their World Cup opener on Wednesday, June 17, 2026, it emerged that the Villarreal midfielder was denied a Canadian visa due to rape charges he is currently facing, a decision he is contesting in court.

Sannie commended the proactive approach taken by the government to try to reverse the decision despite the complicated nature of the case.

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Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, he urged the president to intensify efforts to secure the visa so Partey can feature in the opening game.

“I’ve seen that the foreign minister of Ghana has made a pronouncement, and I think they should continue to engage the Canadian authorities to ensure that at least they give him the visa, even if it’s a 24-hour or 48-hour visa. Play the game and go back. If necessary, the president of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, must also join in this case and fight for a Ghanaian who has not been convicted of any crime, and stand up for him,” he said.

Sannie Daara argued that the decision was wrong, as the player has not been convicted of any charges despite the public criticisms.

The former GFA official fumed that the visa denial seemed to have already judged the player in the eyes of the public, which does not augur well for the sport.

“Number one, the alleged crime did not take place in your country. Number two, he’s there to play in a global competition that the world is watching. And number three, most importantly, he has not been found guilty. So it’s just like saying he’s already guilty before the matter is decided.

"It is sad that some people might even take it as fact. When you take a decision like that, would you not say it influences the judges on the case? It looks like you’ve already hanged him before the matter is decided,” he added.

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