With Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa affirming that all diplomatic avenues are being explored, the Ghanaian government has stepped up attempts to obtain a visa for Thomas Partey before the Black Stars’ first game at the FIFA World Cup in 2026.
Partey is not allowed to enter Canada due to the continuing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he is accused of several rape charges.
The Minister spoke to reporters in Accra on Monday, June 15 and acknowledged the gravity of the problem but maintained a hopeful attitude regarding the possibility of a successful resolution.
“We are exploring all diplomatic avenues available to us and are optimistic that this issue can be rectified prior to Ghana’s opening match.”
The disagreement began when Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) denied a Temporary Resident Visa, which led to a formal diplomatic protest from the Ghanaian government.
Mr Ablakwa slammed the action, calling it “high-handed” and “extremely unjust.”
The rejection, according to Canadian officials, was based on Partey’s continuing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Nonetheless, the Ghanaian government claims that the ruling disregards a core legal tenet.
The midfielder has entered a not guilty plea to the allegations leveled against him and has not been found guilty of any misconduct, according to Mr. Ablakwa. He claims that it violates the tenet of presumption of innocence to refuse the player access prior to the legal procedure being completed.
The minister expressed worries regarding justice and due process, claiming that the decision effectively treats the player as guilty prior to the rendering of a verdict.
In addition to the legal arguments, Ghana is worried about how Partey’s absence will affect the sport. The midfielder is seen as one of the Black Stars team’s key players and a crucial component of the team’s tournament aspirations.
In It’s World Cup opening game, Ghana will be seriously handicapped without Partey, according to Mr. Ablakwa.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs has met with Canadian officials, including Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, in an effort to resolve the issue.
Ghana’s Foreign Ministry is also exploring potential legal options and still pressing for a swift administrative review of the judgement, even though FIFA has made it clear that immigration and visa concerns are the purview of host nations and are beyond its authority.
The administration hopes that Partey will be able to attend the national team camp in time for the game against Panama thanks to these endeavors.
As the World Cup opener draws near, Ghana’s diplomatic efforts have reached a crucial stage as authorities look for a breakthrough that might guarantee that one of the team’s vital players will be available for the competition’s commencement.
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