The Government of Ghana has issued a formal statement expressing strong reservations over Canada’s refusal of a temporary residence visa to Thomas Teye Partey, a key member of the Black Stars national football team.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs press release, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denied the application under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. The decision cited pending criminal proceedings against Partey in the United Kingdom, where no conviction or judicial finding of guilt has been made.
Ghana’s government reaffirmed its commitment to the legal principle of presumption of innocence, describing it as fundamental to justice in democratic societies. While respecting Canada’s sovereign authority to enforce its immigration laws, officials argued that basing the refusal on unproven allegations raises concerns about fairness and proportionality.
On June 11, 2026, Ghana sent an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada requesting a review of the decision. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has since engaged in direct diplomatic discussions with Canadian authorities, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana.
The statement indicated that Ghana is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic, legal, and administrative channels including potential judicial review to ensure the matter receives full and fair consideration.
Ghana highlighted Partey’s selection for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, co-hosted by Canada, the United States, and Mexico, and urged Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision in line with principles of fairness and common law traditions.
The government expressed hope for an amicable resolution that preserves strong bilateral relations and the unifying spirit of international football.