The Government of Ghana has expressed strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian national and key member of Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government said they were informed that the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) arrived at this outcome on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt, a statement issued by Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
The Government of Ghana reaffirmed the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies.
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 said.
Accordingly, it said, Ghana is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.
On June 11, 2026, the Foreign Ministry of Ghana dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada, the statement said.
“The note also requested that Canada reviews its unfortunate decision. The Government of Ghana is determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process.
“The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has additionally been holding talks with Canadian officials including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat since this came to his attention. 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. Ghana remains committed to constructive engagements with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence.
“The Government of Ghana cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomatic rapprochement within the context of our historically cordial and friendly traditions would lead to an amicable resolution in a timely manner. May the beautiful game of football continue to live up to its reputation of uniting nations, forging lasting bonds of friendship, playing by the rules, and promoting fair play both on and off the field.”
