Ghana asks Canada to review Thomas Partey’s visa blockade

June 13, 2026

Ghana has asked Canada to review its stance on the national player's visa which was denied.

Accra – Ghana claimed that Canada’s refusal to grant Thomas Teye Partey’s visa was discriminatory, citing a pending criminal case in the United Kingdom as evidence that the presumption of innocence until proven guilty was not valid.

Ghana expressed its reservations over Canada’s decision in a statement issued on Saturday, stating that Partey, one of the Black Stars’ senior national players, had his temporary residence application to play in the 2026 FIFA World Cup denied.

The Ghanaian government said the criminal proceedings in the UK have not rendered Partey classifiable as inadmissible to enter Canada.

“We are informed that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) arrived at this outcome on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

“The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt,” the statement said.

Ghana stated that they reaffirm the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, pleading for justice to take its course and asking for a review of the decision.

“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 reads.

Ghanaian authorities are understood to be actively engaging in diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities over the matter.

Discussions between the minister of foreign affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Canadian high commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, have been launched.

On Thursday, the Foreign Ministry of Ghana filed an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada.

“The Government of Ghana is determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process.

Ghana said Partey was selected to play in the World Cup by his country, which it considers a significant national assignment, urging the Canadian authorities to uphold the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence.

Ghana said it cherishes the longstanding bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomacy would lead to an amicable resolution.

“May the beautiful game of football continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations, forging lasting bonds of friendship, playing by the rules, and promoting fair play both on and off the field,” the statement said.