2026 Fifa World Cup: Ghana Lodges Protest with Canada Over Partey Visa Denial Ahead of Opener – Africa Top Sports

The Government of Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny entry to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, urging an immediate review ahead of the team’s opening match against Panama at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ghana on June 13, authorities confirmed that “an official note of protest” had been dispatched to Global Affairs Canada, describing the visa refusal as deeply concerning and potentially unfair.
According to the ministry, the decision by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada was based on inadmissibility provisions tied to ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom involving the player, despite no conviction or judicial finding of guilt. Ghanaian officials stressed that such grounds raise serious questions about fairness, particularly given the legal principle of the presumption of innocence.
“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies,” the statement read.
While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that reliance on unproven allegations undermines proportionality and due process. The ministry revealed that diplomatic engagements are already underway, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa holding discussions with Canadian representatives, including the High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat.
The statement further emphasized the broader implications of the decision, noting Partey’s importance to the national team as they prepare for a crucial World Cup fixture. Ghana has called on Canadian authorities to reconsider their stance “in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law.”
Officials added that the government is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic and legal avenues, including potential judicial review before Canadian courts, to ensure what it described as a full and fair consideration of the matter.
Despite the tension, Ghana reiterated its commitment to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Canada, expressing hope that ongoing dialogue will yield an amicable resolution in time.
As the Black Stars gear up for their World Cup opener, the situation surrounding one of their key players continues to cast uncertainty over preparations, with both governments now engaged in efforts to resolve the impasse swiftly.
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