MP Backs Thomas Partey Over Visa Snub, Calls on FIFA to Intervene

Kwabre East MP and Sports Committee member Damata Ama Appianimaa Salam has thrown her weight behind Thomas Partey after the Black Stars midfielder was denied a visa to Canada.

Speaking on Rainbow Radio 87.5FM’s _Frontline_, Salam said the situation is “highly unfavorable” and taking an emotional toll on the player. She argued that as an international footballer, Partey deserves respect and that Canada had no justification for blocking his entry.

The MP called on FIFA and the Ghana Football Association to step in urgently to resolve the issue. “It is not too late. FIFA, the GFA, come in and allow Thomas Partey to be granted his visa,” she said.

Salam assured Partey of strong support from home. “We are solidly behind him. Ghanaians are united in backing the player,” she told host Kwabena. She also suggested that the Speaker of Parliament should intervene to help clear Partey to face Canada.

She criticized the visa denial, saying any World Cup host must treat teams and athletes with dignity. While calling the incident an unfortunate setback for Ghana, she urged the rest of the Black Stars squad to stay focused and not let it affect morale.

Salam added that the World Cup creates a unique sense of unity and patriotism among Ghanaians, and stressed that there is still time for FIFA and the GFA to press Canada to reverse its decision.