The Government of Ghana has stepped up efforts to secure a visa for Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars’ opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa saying all available diplomatic channels are being used.
Ghana are set to begin their World Cup campaign against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, and officials are working hard to solve an issue that could prevent one of the team’s most important players from taking part.
Speaking on the matter, Mr Ablakwa admitted that time is running short but said he remains hopeful that the situation can be resolved.
”We are using all diplomatic channels available to us and remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved before Ghana’s opening game.”
The issue began after Canada’s Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) refused Partey a Temporary Resident Visa. The decision led the Ghanaian government to file a formal diplomatic protest.
Mr Ablakwa criticised the decision, calling it “high-handed” and “extremely unfair”.
Canadian authorities reportedly based their decision on ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom. However, the Ghanaian government believes the decision ignores an important legal principle.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the midfielder has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him and has not been convicted of any crime. He argued that refusing him entry before the legal process is complete goes against the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty.
The minister said the decision treats the player as guilty before a court has reached a verdict, raising concerns about fairness and due process.
Apart from the legal concerns, Ghana is also worried about the impact on the national team. Partey is seen as one of the Black Stars’ most important players and a key part of the team’s plans for the tournament.
Mr Ablakwa said losing a player of Partey’s quality would be a major setback as Ghana looks to make a strong start at the World Cup.
As part of efforts to solve the issue, the Foreign Affairs Minister has held talks with Canadian officials, including Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat.
While FIFA has stated that visa and immigration matters are the responsibility of host countries and are outside its control, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry continues to seek a quick review of the decision and is also looking at possible legal options.
The government hopes these efforts will allow Partey to join the team before the match against Panama.
With the World Cup opener approaching quickly, Ghana’s diplomatic efforts have entered an important stage as officials work to find a solution that could make one of the team’s key players available for the start of the tournament.
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