Ghana Government Protests Canada's Visa Denial for Thomas Partey

The Ghanaian government submitted an official protest on Saturday against Canada’s refusal to issue a visa to Thomas Partey, who is currently on trial in the United Kingdom on rape charges, preventing him from participating in upcoming matches.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the visa denial as an "arbitrary and highly unfair decision" in a statement, emphasizing that Partey is a key player for Ghana’s senior national team.

He added that Ghana has sent a formal protest note to Canada, which is one of the host countries alongside Mexico and the United States. The note also requested Canada to reconsider its regrettable decision.

While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign right to enforce immigration laws, Ablakwa stated that Ghana views the reliance on unproven allegations without a judicial ruling as raising fundamental questions about justice and proportionality.

Thomas Partey, aged 33, formerly a midfielder for Arsenal in England and currently with Villarreal in Spain, will be unable to travel to Toronto, where Ghana is set to begin its World Cup campaign against Panama on June 17. The Ghanaian team has been conducting its training camp in the United States at Bryant University in Boston.

Partey is expected to be eligible for Ghana’s subsequent group matches against England and Croatia, both scheduled to take place in the United States.

Partey has pleaded not guilty to seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, based on allegations made by four women between 2020 and 2022. His court appearance is scheduled for next year.

In the same context, FIFA confirmed that Partey will not be able to travel from Ghana’s training camp in Boston to Canada for the opening match against Panama.

FIFA clarified that it is not involved in the immigration procedures of host countries, including decisions regarding visa applications.