Ghana government Protests Canada’s “Unfair” Visa Refusal for Thomas Partey, Cites Presumption of Innocence

The Government of Ghana has strongly criticized Canada’s decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey a temporary residence visa, calling it “high-handed and extremely unfair.”

In a press release issued on June 13, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based its refusal on paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, citing inadmissibility due to pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom. The Ministry noted that those proceedings “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 read.

While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that “reliance on unproven charges in the absence of a judicial determination raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality.”

The Foreign Ministry disclosed that it dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, 2026, requesting a review of the decision. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has also been holding talks with Canadian officials, including High Commissioner Myriam Montrat.

Ghana says the decision affects a key member of the Black Stars ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup and urged Canada to rescind it “in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law,” citing “significant national and global sporting considerations.”

The government says it will “explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.”

The statement closed by reaffirming Ghana’s “longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada” and expressed hope for an “amicable resolution in a timely manner.”

“May the beautiful game of football continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations… and promoting fair play both on and off the field,” the Ministry added.