The Government of Ghana has expressed “strong reservations” over Canada’s decision to refuse a temporary residence application for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey, describing it as “high-handed and extremely unfair”.
In a press release issued in Accra, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada denied the application on grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.
The decision is understood to be based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction.
Ghana reaffirmed the “fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence” and argued that relying on unproven charges without a judicial determination “raises fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality”.
The government noted Partey’s selection for Ghana’s 2026 FIFA World Cup squad and the “significant national and global sporting considerations at stake,” urging Canada to rescind the decision in the interest of fairness and common law principles.
According to the statement, the Foreign Ministry dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada on June 11, 2026, requesting a review.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has also been holding talks with Canadian officials, including High Commissioner Her Excellency Myriam Montrat.
Ghana said it is pursuing all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada.
The government added that it “cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada” and hopes diplomatic engagement will lead to an “amicable resolution in a timely manner”.
Partey remains a key member of the Black Stars as Ghana prepares for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
