Ghana protests Canada visa denial for Thomas Partey

Ghana has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey a temporary residence visa for the ongoing 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as unfair and based on unproven allegations.

In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it has launched diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities and is seeking a review of the decision, which it argues relies on pending legal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction.

According to the ministry, Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) deemed Partey inadmissible under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, citing ongoing criminal proceedings abroad.

“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 ministry said.

Ghana, however, stressed that Partey remains entitled to the presumption of innocence and questioned the fairness of the visa refusal.

“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence… While respecting Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana considers that reliance on unproven charges raises questions of fairness and proportionality,” the statement added.

The government confirmed that on June 11, 2026, it formally lodged a protest note with Global Affairs Canada, requesting a reversal of the decision.

Read Also: FIFA Denies Role in Referee’s US Visa Rejection

Kenya’s digital billions are already here. Who will claim them?

It also said it is prepared to pursue further legal and diplomatic remedies, including a possible judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also been engaging Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, over the matter.

The development comes amid wider scrutiny of immigration decisions affecting football personnel ahead of the tournament, following recent comments by FIFA President Gianni Infantino on similar cases involving officials denied entry for World Cup duties.

Ghana says it will continue pursuing all available channels under Canadian and international law to ensure what it describes as full and fair consideration of the case.