BREAKING NEWS: Ghana threatens legal action as it demands Canada reverse Thomas Partey's World Cup visa refusal

Ghana has intensified its efforts to overturn Canada's refusal to grant Thomas Partey a visa ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, warning that it is prepared to pursue diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies if the decision is not reversed.In a statement issued on Saturday, June 13, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs described Canada's refusal of a temporary residence application for the Ghana midfielder as "high-handed and extremely unfair," expressing strong reservations over the decision.According to the ministry, Canadian immigration authorities based the refusal on inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).

The government said the decision was understood to be linked to criminal proceedings currently pending against Partey in the United Kingdom, despite there being no conviction or judicial finding of guilt."The Government of Ghana reaffirms the fundamental legal principle of the presumption of innocence, a cornerstone of justice and due process in democratic societies," the statement said.While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, Ghana argued that relying on unproven charges without a judicial determination raises "fundamental questions of fairness and proportionality."The statement also disclosed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has held discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since the issue came to his attention.Beyond diplomatic engagement, Ghana said it is prepared to explore every available avenue under Canadian and international law."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 statement said.The government urged Canada to rescind its decision, citing Partey's selection for Ghana's World Cup squad and the wider sporting significance of the tournament.Ghana also reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement with Canadian authorities and expressed hope that the matter would be resolved through dialogue, preserving the longstanding bilateral relationship between the two countries.Partey is set to miss Ghana's Group L opener against Panama in Toronto on June 17 after FIFA confirmed that immigration decisions fall solely within the authority of host governments.

However, the midfielder remains eligible for Ghana's remaining group matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia after the United States granted him entry despite the ongoing legal proceedings.