The government has formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey, calling the move “high-handed and extremely unfair.”
In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) rejected Partey’s application on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The Ministry noted that the decision is based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that “have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.”
“Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies,” the statement said.
“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 confirmed it is pursuing “active diplomatic engagements” with Canadian authorities.
On June 11, Ghana dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada requesting a review of the decision.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also held talks with Canadian officials, including Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat.
Ghana says it will explore “all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.”
The Ministry stressed Partey’s selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the “significant national and global sporting considerations at stake,” urging Canada to rescind its decision “in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law.”
It added that Ghana “cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada” and hopes diplomatic efforts will lead to “an amicable resolution in a timely manner.”
