The visa refusal to Thomas Partey by Canada has triggered a strong diplomatic response from the Government of Ghana, which has described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair” and is considering legal action ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Authorities insist the Black Stars midfielder has not been convicted of any offence and have urged Canada to review its decision
In an official statement, the government said, “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.”
The government said it had been informed that Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reached the decision on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of the country’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
According to the statement, the decision is based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
It stressed that “the Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies.” While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, it argued that relying on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises serious questions about fairness and proportionality.
As part of its response, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on 11 June 2026. The statement noted: “On June 11, 2026, the Foreign Ministry of Ghana dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada. The note also requested that Canada reviews its unfortunate decision.”
Foreign Affairs Minister Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also been holding talks with Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, since the matter came to the government’s attention.
The government further stated that “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.”
Highlighting the sporting implications of the decision, the statement added: “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.”
Despite the dispute, Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights and the presumption of innocence. It also emphasised the longstanding cordial relations between the two countries and expressed hope for an amicable resolution in a timely manner.
The statement concluded with a message underscoring football’s power to bring people together: “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.”
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