Ghana’s Sports and Recreation Minister, Kofi Adams, has appealed to Canadian authorities to reconsider their decision to deny Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey a visa, arguing that Ghana should be allowed to compete with its strongest available squad as the 2026 FIFA World Cup enters the knockout stages.
The minister believes the decision has placed Ghana at a disadvantage during one of the biggest tournaments in world football and hopes Canadian officials will review the matter if the Black Stars are required to play another match on Canadian soil.
Partey has been unavailable for Ghana’s fixtures in Canada after border authorities refused him entry because of pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom. The midfielder has consistently denied all allegations against him and has not been convicted of any offence. While he has been unable to travel to Canada, he has remained eligible to play in the United States, allowing him to feature in Ghana’s World Cup matches held there.
The issue has become one of the biggest off-field talking points surrounding Ghana’s World Cup campaign and has generated widespread debate among football supporters, legal experts and sports administrators.
Minister labels Canada’s decision “high-handed”
Speaking in an interview with Citi Sports, Kofi Adams did not hide his disappointment over the visa refusal, describing the decision as unnecessarily harsh.
“We thought that the decision not to issue Thomas’ visa was a high-handed decision. We thought he could have been allowed to go in and partake,” Adams said.
The minister stressed that the World Cup is meant to bring nations together through football and believes every qualified country should have the opportunity to compete with its strongest players whenever possible.
According to Adams, denying one of Ghana’s most influential footballers entry into Canada undermines the spirit of the competition.
He explained that the Black Stars have worked hard to qualify for the tournament and should not have to compete without one of their key players because of an administrative decision.
Hope remains for a review of the decision
Although disappointed with the original ruling, Adams remains optimistic that Canadian immigration authorities could reconsider the matter if Ghana progresses further into the tournament.
The Black Stars have already booked their place in the Round of 32, raising the possibility that they could return to Canada depending on how the knockout fixtures unfold. The minister believes there is still enough time for officials to reassess the case.
“And I believe that the Canadians should be able to review that decision. And when a fresh application is made for them to decide in favour of Thomas Partey so he can do what he does best,” Adams said.
His comments suggest the Ghanaian government intends to continue engaging with the relevant authorities in hopes of finding a solution before any future matches scheduled in Canada.
Partey’s absence has affected Ghana’s campaign
Thomas Partey’s absence from Ghana’s matches in Canada has undoubtedly been significant. The experienced midfielder missed Ghana’s opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto because he was unable to enter the country.
Although the Black Stars managed to secure a narrow 1-0 victory without him, many observers believed his leadership, composure and experience would have provided even greater stability in midfield.
Fortunately for Ghana, Partey has been eligible for matches played in the United States.
He returned to the starting lineup against England, where he produced one of his best performances in recent memory. His commanding display in midfield earned widespread praise after helping Ghana secure a disciplined goalless draw against one of the tournament favourites.
His performance also earned him the JAC Motors Man of the Match award, underlining his importance to Carlos Queiroz’s team whenever he is available.
One of Ghana’s most influential players
Partey remains one of the most experienced players in the current Black Stars squad. Known for his composure under pressure, defensive awareness and passing ability, the midfielder has become a key figure in Ghana’s national team over the past decade.
His ability to control the tempo of matches often allows Ghana to remain organised against technically gifted opponents.
Head coach Carlos Queiroz has frequently relied on experienced players such as Jordan Ayew and Thomas Partey to provide leadership during difficult moments.
That leadership has been particularly valuable during Ghana’s World Cup campaign, where the Black Stars have faced several injury concerns and difficult tactical challenges.
Having a fully available Partey for every knockout fixture would undoubtedly strengthen Ghana’s chances of progressing deeper into the competition.
Government continues efforts behind the scenes
Kofi Adams revealed that discussions are continuing behind the scenes regarding the visa issue. While acknowledging that the Ghanaian government cannot directly control Canada’s immigration policies, he said officials would continue making every possible effort.
“We’ll do the best that we have to do. That’s the only thing that we can do,” Adams explained.
The minister indicated that Ghana’s football authorities and diplomatic representatives remain hopeful that constructive dialogue could lead to a positive outcome.
Government officials believe the situation deserves another look, particularly because of the unique nature of the FIFA World Cup and its importance to participating nations.
Appeal to the spirit of hosting the World Cup
One of the strongest arguments presented by Adams centred on Canada’s role as one of the three host nations of the expanded 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The minister believes host countries carry a responsibility to ensure participating nations can compete fairly.
“And we appeal to the Canadians in the spirit of their agreeing to host the World Cup to know that we are also a participating country and we want the best to represent us,” Adams said.
His remarks reflect Ghana’s belief that the tournament should be decided by performances on the pitch rather than administrative complications away from football.
Presumption of innocence highlighted
Another important aspect of Adams’ comments focused on the legal principle that Partey has not been convicted of any crime.
The minister argued that because legal proceedings are still ongoing, the midfielder should be treated fairly until the courts reach a final decision.
“On this occasion, where especially the person has not been found guilty, they will temper… I wouldn’t even say justice with mercy, but they will make a decision in favour of Thomas Partey to be issued with a visa to enable him to do what, like I said, he does best.”
Adams carefully avoided commenting on the legal case itself, instead focusing on the fact that Partey remains innocent unless proven guilty in court.
The midfielder is expected to stand trial in the United Kingdom next year, while continuing to deny all allegations against him.
World Cup ambitions remain alive
Despite the off-field distraction, Ghana’s focus remains firmly on football. The Black Stars have already secured a place in the Round of 32 after collecting four points during the group stage.
Carlos Queiroz’s men began their campaign with a hard-fought victory over Panama before frustrating England in a goalless draw that showcased the team’s defensive organisation and discipline.
Although Ghana later lost 2-1 to Croatia in their final group match, results elsewhere ensured qualification to the knockout stage.
The defeat prevented Ghana from finishing higher in Group L, but it did not end their World Cup dream. Instead, the Black Stars now prepare for a difficult Round of 32 encounter against Colombia, one of South America’s strongest teams.
Partey’s availability could become crucial
If Ghana continue progressing through the tournament, the issue surrounding Partey’s Canadian visa could become increasingly important.
Some of the later knockout matches are scheduled to take place in Canadian cities, meaning the midfielder’s availability could once again come into question.
Having one of the team’s most experienced players unavailable because of travel restrictions would present another significant challenge for Queiroz and his coaching staff.
That is why both the Ghanaian government and the football authorities are eager to find a resolution before the situation becomes more pressing.
Focus remains on football
For now, the Black Stars remain focused on their immediate challenge against Colombia. Players and coaches have attempted to keep external distractions away from the dressing room as preparations continue for the knockout stages.
Queiroz has repeatedly praised his squad for maintaining concentration despite injuries, selection challenges and other off-field issues throughout the tournament.
The coach believes the team’s unity has been one of the major reasons behind Ghana’s successful qualification campaign.
Should the visa issue eventually be resolved, Partey’s availability for future matches in Canada would provide another major boost to Ghana’s hopes of making a deep run at the expanded FIFA World Cup.
With knockout football now underway, every decision, every player and every available advantage could prove decisive in determining how far the Black Stars can go on the world’s biggest football stage.
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