Ghana’s sports minister has hit out at Canada after their decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The midfielder was denied a visa and is set to miss the Black Stars’ opening game of the tournament against Panama in Toronto (June 17).
Partey is set to face a trial after being charged with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault by the London Metropolitan Police. For that reason, Canada have refused to allow him into their nation, triggering a wave of criticism from high-ranking Ghanaian officials.
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On Friday (June 12), the nation’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams spoke to local station Channel One TV about the situation. He said (via ESPN):
“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 that we think frowns on international laws and conventions, which both Ghana and Canada are party to.
“We think it’s appropriate to get the appropriate authorities to review this decision. We’ve taken it to that level, and we hope and pray that they do what they must do,” Adams added.
Besides Panama, Ghana will take on European heavyweights England (June 23) and Croatia (June 27) in Group L of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Partey, who has been forced stay back at his nation’s base camp in Boston during the opener, will be able to feature in the next two games (which will be played in the USA).
“Raises fundamental questions of fairness” – Ghana ministry releases response to Thomas Partey’s Canada ban at 2026 FIFA World Cup
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has released a statement following Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry into their country.
Released on Saturday (June 13), the statement read (via ESPN):
“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. Accordingly, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.”
“Government further notes Mr. Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake, and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the interest of fairness and cardinal principles of common law,” the statement concluded.
Partey is a key member of the Ghana side that is set to participate in the FIFA World Cup for the fifth time in their history (2006, 2010, 2014, 2022, 2026). The ex-Arsenal man has racked up 15 goals and eight assists in 57 caps for the Black Stars thus far.
Edited by Aaryan Nagraj
