The Government of Ghana has lodged a formal protest against Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, and says it is pursuing both diplomatic and legal steps to have the ruling reviewed ahead of Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, 2026.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the government described the decision by Canadian authorities as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” arguing that it was based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reportedly rejected Partey’s application under Paragraph A36(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, citing inadmissibility grounds linked to those ongoing proceedings.
However, the government maintains that the decision appears to rely on unproven allegations, stressing that it undermines the principle of presumption of innocence, which it described as a cornerstone of justice 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 Foreign Ministry revealed that it has already initiated formal diplomatic engagement on the matter, including sending an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, 2026, requesting a review of the decision.
It further disclosed that 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 if necessary.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also held discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since the issue came to the government’s attention.
The statement emphasized that Partey’s inclusion in the national squad for the FIFA World Cup carries significant sporting importance and urged Canada to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness and established legal principles.
“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.
Government expressed hope that the matter will be resolved amicably through diplomatic channels, noting the long-standing cordial relations between Ghana and Canada.
ALSO READ:
