Ghana government confirms talks with Canadian officials over Thomas Partey visa dispute

[caption id="attachment_1313667" align="alignnone" width="901"] Thomas Partey[/caption]The Ghana government has confirmed that it is holding talks with Canadian authorities in a bid to reverse the decision to deny Thomas Partey entry for the Black Stars' opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government disclosed that Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has been in discussions with Canadian officials, including Canada's High Commissioner to Ghana, Myriam Montrat, since the matter came to his attention."The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has additionally been holding talks with Canadian officials including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, since this came to his attention," the ministry said.The statement also revealed that Ghana formally lodged a diplomatic protest on June 11 by submitting an official note to Global Affairs Canada, requesting an urgent review of the visa refusal.According to the government, Canadian immigration authorities rejected Partey's temporary residence application on the grounds of inadmissibility under paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act.While Canadian authorities have not publicly explained the decision, Ghana said it understands the refusal is linked to the midfielder's ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, despite the absence of any conviction.The government maintained that the principle of the presumption of innocence should apply and argued that denying entry on the basis of unresolved charges raises concerns over fairness and due process.Ghana said it remains hopeful that continued diplomatic engagement will lead to a positive outcome before the Black Stars begin their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto on June 17.The ministry added that it is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues, including seeking judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada if necessary.Partey has denied all the charges against him through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom remain ongoing.

He remains eligible for Ghana's remaining Group L matches in the United States after American authorities granted him entry for the tournament.