The government has formally challenged Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as unfair, disproportionate, and inconsistent with the principle of the presumption of innocence.
In a press statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Friday, June 12, the government expressed “strong reservations” over the decision by Canadian immigration authorities to reject Partey’s application to enter the country for the global football tournament.
According to the statement, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) based its decision on inadmissibility provisions contained in Paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The government contends that the decision was influenced by ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in a conviction or any judicial finding of guilt.
Authorities emphasized that the visa denial raises significant concerns about fairness and due process, arguing that reliance on unresolved legal proceedings undermines a core principle of democratic justice.
“The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies,” the statement noted.
While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to regulate entry into its territory and enforce its immigration laws, the government maintained that the circumstances surrounding the decision warrant reconsideration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that diplomatic efforts are already underway to seek a reversal of the decision.
On June 11, Ghana officially lodged a protest with Canadian authorities through a diplomatic note sent to Global Affairs Canada.
The note requested an urgent review of the visa refusal and outlined Ghana’s concerns regarding the legal basis and implications of the decision.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is also reported to have engaged directly with senior Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, in an effort to resolve the matter through diplomatic channels.
Beyond diplomatic discussions, the government says it is prepared to pursue all available legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law.
The government indicated that it is exploring potential judicial options, including the possibility of seeking a review before the Federal Court of Canada should diplomatic efforts fail to produce a satisfactory outcome.
Officials insist that any decision affecting the player’s participation in the World Cup should be subjected to a comprehensive and fair assessment of the facts and legal issues involved.
The visa controversy comes at a critical moment for Ghana’s national football team as preparations intensify for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Partey, a key figure in the Black Stars setup, is expected to play an important role in Ghana’s campaign at the tournament.
Officials argue that the matter extends beyond an individual immigration case and touches on broader sporting and national interests.
They have therefore appealed to Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision in the spirit of fairness and the values traditionally associated with international sport.
The statement stressed that football has long served as a bridge between nations and cultures, promoting friendship, unity, and mutual respect.
Despite its objections, the government has reiterated its commitment to maintaining constructive relations with Canada and resolving the matter through dialogue.
The statement highlighted the longstanding diplomatic ties between the two countries and expressed confidence that ongoing engagements could lead to an amicable resolution.
“Ghana remains committed to constructive engagement with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence,” the ministry stated.
The government further expressed hope that the strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and Canada would facilitate a timely resolution, allowing the issue to be addressed within the framework of mutual respect and longstanding friendship.
As discussions continue, attention is expected to focus on whether Canadian authorities will review the decision before the commencement of the World Cup, a development that could have significant implications for Ghana’s preparations for the tournament.
By 1960news.com
