Sports
Protests over Black Stars midfielder’s fate
The Government of Ghana has expressed strong dissatisfaction over Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa application submitted by Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a statement issued by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, the government described the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” noting that Partey is a key member of Ghana’s senior national football team currently preparing for the global tournament.
According to the ministry, Canadian immigration authorities based their decision on provisions relating to inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA). Ghana said it understands that the ruling was linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving the footballer in the United Kingdom, despite the absence of any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
The Ghanaian government stressed that the presumption of innocence remains a fundamental principle 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 statement said.
The government disclosed that it has initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to seek a review of the decision. It revealed that on June 11, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry sent an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada, requesting a reconsideration of the visa refusal.
According to the statement, Ghana is prepared to explore all available diplomatic, legal and administrative channels under Canadian and international law, including the possibility of seeking judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure that all relevant legal and factual issues are fairly considered.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has also been in discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since becoming aware of the matter.
The government further highlighted Partey’s selection for the forthcoming FIFA World Cup, arguing that the case carries significant national and international sporting implications. It urged Canadian authorities to reverse their decision in line with principles of fairness and common law traditions.
“Ghana remains committed to constructive engagements with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence,” the ministry stated.
The government also underscored the longstanding bilateral relationship between Ghana and Canada, expressing hope that ongoing diplomatic efforts would lead to an amicable and timely resolution.
Concluding its statement, Ghana appealed to the unifying spirit of football, saying the sport should continue to foster friendship among nations while promoting fairness and respect for the rules both on and off the field.