Ghana Government Slams “Unfair” Entry Ban as Partey World Cup Doubt Deepens
The Ghanaian government has launched a strong diplomatic response after Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, calling the decision “high-handed and extremely unfair” and escalating a growing off-pitch controversy ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
The former Arsenal midfielder was refused entry on Friday, placing his availability for Ghana’s tournament opener against Panama in serious doubt and triggering an international debate involving immigration policy, legal principles, and football governance.
Ghana Pushes Back: “Unfair and Unproven”
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm statement on Saturday, criticizing Canada’s stance while acknowledging its sovereign right to enforce border laws.
The ministry said: “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada. 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 statement added that Ghana is now engaging in “active diplomatic negotiations” with Canadian authorities to challenge the decision.
Diplomatic Pressure Intensifies Over Visa Decision
The controversy centers on Partey’s current legal situation, with the midfielder facing seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault from London’s Metropolitan Police. Ghanaian officials argue that barring him based on unresolved allegations sets a troubling precedent.
Sports Minister Kofi Adams has been particularly vocal, defending the player and urging a review of the ruling. He told Channel One TV: “If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting for them to use all processes to review and give opportunity for a review of such a decision…”
Adams also argued that the decision conflicts with international legal standards and should be reconsidered urgently.
Canada and FIFA Stand Firm on Entry Rules
Despite mounting diplomatic pressure, Canadian authorities have refused to reverse the decision. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada maintained that visa rulings follow a consistent legal framework based on admissibility rules and security assessments. A statement relayed via minister Lena Diab to ESPN confirmed the decision was made based on “facts available and the law that applies.”
World football’s governing body, FIFA, has also backed Canada’s right to determine entry requirements for the tournament, reinforcing that host nations retain authority over immigration matters.
However, Ghana’s officials have dismissed the reasoning as “flimsy,” pointing out that Partey continues to live and work freely in England while awaiting trial.
World Cup Uncertainty Grows for Ghana
On the pitch, Ghana’s preparations are now overshadowed by legal and logistical uncertainty.
The Black Stars open their World Cup Group L campaign against Panama on Wednesday, but Partey’s availability remains unresolved. While he is currently unable to enter Canada, he remains with the squad in the United States for matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia.
The situation could become even more complicated if Ghana advances. A potential knockout fixture in Toronto on July 2 would again raise the issue of entry restrictions.
For now, Ghana continues to push for a diplomatic resolution, urging Canada “to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law” as the tournament edges closer to its decisive stages.
