Canada Visa Denial of Thomas Partey Sparks Diplomatic Push from Sports Ministry

Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has strongly criticised Canada’s decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, describing the move as inconsistent with democratic principles and the rule of law.

The controversy emerged after FIFA confirmed that Partey would be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base in the United States to Canada for a World Cup fixture. The global football governing body noted that immigration and visa matters remain solely within the jurisdiction of host countries and are beyond FIFA’s authority.

Speaking on Citi FM’s Eyewitness News programme with Umaru Sanda Amadu on Friday, June 12, Adams revealed that the Ghanaian government had already initiated diplomatic efforts to seek a review of the decision.

“As has been indicated by His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, and the mandate through his Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that any Ghanaian touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it. Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting them to review the decision. I hope and pray that they do what they must do, and do it right,” Adams stated.

The Sports Minister argued that the grounds for the visa refusal were weak, stressing that Partey has only been charged in an ongoing legal matter and has not been convicted of any offence.

“We got a decision that he had been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy reasons. I say flimsy because the person had already been charged. He has not been found guilty,” Adams said.

According to him, the decision appears to contradict the fundamental principle that individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty. He further questioned why Canada had taken such a stance when Partey continues to reside and work freely in the country where the alleged offence is said to have occurred.

“One is therefore surprised that Canada, which is so far away, will now apply rules to the extent that where somebody has just been merely charged, that person has been deemed guilty,” he added.

Adams also suggested that Canada’s interpretation of its immigration regulations effectively treats an accused person as guilty before a court has delivered a verdict.

“Canada is interpreting their rules to suggest that a charge means guilty. They’re supposed to be the country that holds high the ethos of democracy and the rule of law,” he said.

The minister reiterated Ghana’s commitment to protecting the rights and interests of its citizens abroad and expressed hope that Canadian authorities would reconsider their position through ongoing diplomatic engagement.

The development has generated debate among football fans and legal observers, as Ghana seeks to ensure the availability of one of its key players for the tournament while respecting the immigration laws of the host nation.