The Government of Ghana has expressed strong reservations over Canada’s decision to refuse a temporary residence visa application for Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey, describing the move as unfair and calling for a review of the decision.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday, 13 June 2026, the government said the decision by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was based on inadmissibility grounds under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The ministry said the case relates to pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, but noted that the proceedings have not resulted in a conviction or any judicial finding of guilt.
Ghana’s government said it was concerned that the refusal relied on unproven allegations and stressed the importance of the presumption of innocence, which it described as a key principle of justice and due process.
“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 Affairs Ministry said it has begun diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities and had already submitted an official note of protest on 11 June, requesting that Canada reconsider its decision.
Mr Partey, a key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, is expected to feature in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to the statement.
The Ghanaian government said it would continue to pursue available diplomatic, legal and administrative channels under Canadian and international law to seek a resolution.
It added that Ghana remains committed to maintaining strong bilateral relations with Canada while hoping for an amicable outcome.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
