The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has assured that it is doing everything possible to ensure that Black Stars player, Thomas Partey, secures entry visa into Canada to participate in the match between Ghana and Panama.
The Canadian authorities denied Partey the visa on grounds that he is being prosecuted for alleged acts of rape.
However, the Ministry said, the pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
“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,” parts of a statement dated June 13 indicate.
“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 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 Ministry noted.
“Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter,” the Ministry assured.
According to the statement the Foreign Ministry of Ghana has dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada. The note also requested that Canada reviews its unfortunate decision.
“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,” it further assured.
The statement revealed that “The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has additionally been holding talks with Canadian officials including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat since this came to his attention.
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.”
“Ghana remains committed to constructive engagements with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence.
The Government of Ghana cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomatic rapprochement within the context of our historically cordial and friendly traditions would lead to an amicable resolution in a timely manner,” the statement concluded.
