By Francis Kobena Tandoh
Ghana has dispatched an official note of protest to Canadian authorities for denying Black Stars midfielder Thomas Teye Partey entry to Canada to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Ghanaian government says the decision handed to a key member of the country’s senior male national football team is unfair.
According to the statement, the West African country is pursuing active diplomatic engagements with the Canadian authorities.
“The government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada to refuse a temporary residence application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghana national and key member of Ghana’s national football team, the Black Stars, which is participating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup,” read the statement.
“On 11th June, 2026, the Foreign Ministry dispatched an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada. The note also requested that Canada review its unfortunate decision,” added the statement.
The statement also mentioned that the Ghanaian government is committed to using all possible diplomatic, legal, and administrative options under Canadian and international law, including asking the Federal Court of Canada to review the case, to make sure that all important legal and factual matters are properly considered.
Partey was denied visa entry to Canada by the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on grounds of pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in any conviction or judicial finding of guilt.
In the 2026 World Cup, Ghana will compete in Group L with Panama, England, and Croatia. The West Africans will play their first match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto. Enditem
Source: Ghana Eye Report
Find the statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs below;
