The Ghanaian government has lodged a strong diplomatic protest against Canada after Canada denied entry to national football star Thomas Teye Partey, jeopardising his participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
In a scathing press release issued on 13th June 2026, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs labelled the visa refusal “high-handed and extremely unfair,” demanding an immediate administrative review.
Inadmissibility Grounds Contested
According to the official statements, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) blocked the Black Stars midfielder under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The decision is understood to stem from pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
However, Ghanaian officials have hit back, emphasising that these investigations have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
”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 Ministry stated, reaffirming its strict adherence to the presumption of innocence.
Escalating Diplomatic Intervention
The dispute has rapidly escalated into a high-level diplomatic standoff.
On 11th June 2026, Ghana dispatched a formal protest note to Global Affairs Canada seeking a complete reversal of the decision.
In tandem with the written protest, Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been holding direct emergency talks with the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat.
The government has also stated it is prepared to pursue all legal and administrative remedies, including a judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, if diplomatic avenues fail to secure a fair resolution.
World Cup Stakes
The timing of the visa refusal threatens to disrupt Ghana’s World Cup campaign just as tournament activities ramp up.
The Ministry stressed that Partey’s selection carries significant national and global sporting considerations, urging Canada to uphold common law principles so that the beautiful game can continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations.
While relations between the two countries face sudden friction, Ghanaian officials noted they hope a diplomatic rapprochement will lead to an amicable and timely resolution before the team’s schedule is permanently impacted.