ACCRA, Ghana — The Government of Ghana has formally lodged an official protest with Canada over the refusal to issue a visa to national football star Thomas Partey, describing the decision as “high-handed and extremely unfair,” according to a statement released on Saturday by the country’s foreign ministry.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that Ghana had dispatched a formal diplomatic note to Canadian authorities, expressing strong displeasure over the visa denial. He said the move raises serious concerns about fairness and the treatment of national team players ahead of major international football engagements, including World Cup preparations.
The dispute centres on Canada’s decision to withhold entry clearance for Partey, who is currently facing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom over rape-related allegations. The midfielder has denied the accusations, and the case remains before the courts with no final judgment delivered.
Ghanaian authorities argue that the visa refusal undermines the principle of due process, insisting that an individual who has not been convicted should not be subjected to what they describe as punitive travel restrictions that could affect sporting commitments. Officials maintain that such decisions could have implications for team selection and competitive fairness on the international stage.
The foreign ministry stressed that Ghana expects Canada to provide a clearer explanation for the refusal, especially given the global nature of the tournament and the importance of ensuring that eligible players are not unfairly excluded without transparent justification.
Canadian authorities have not publicly responded in detail to the protest at the time of filing this report. However, immigration decisions are typically guided by domestic regulations, security assessments, and admissibility criteria that allow host countries discretion over entry permissions.
The situation has sparked wider debate within football circles, with supporters divided over whether ongoing legal proceedings should influence a player’s eligibility to travel for international competitions. Some argue that host nations must uphold strict entry standards, while others believe sporting bodies should intervene to prevent disruptions to national teams.
Ghanaian football officials are expected to continue diplomatic engagement with Canadian counterparts in an effort to resolve the issue ahead of the World Cup, as the team finalises its preparations and squad arrangements.
