The Government of Ghana has voiced significant concerns following Canada’s overly harsh and profoundly unjust decision to deny a temporary residency application for Mr. Thomas Teye Partey, a Ghanaian citizen and prominent player for Ghana’s senior national football team, the Black Stars, who is set to participate in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The government stated that they were made aware that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reached this conclusion based on grounds of inadmissibility as outlined in paragraph A36(1)(c) of Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA).
It is understood that this decision is founded on ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have yet to result in any conviction or legal determination of guilt, as indicated in a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The Government of Ghana reiterated the essential legal principle of the presumption of innocence, which is a fundamental aspect of justice and due process in democratic societies.
While acknowledging Canada’s sovereign authority to implement its immigration legislation, Ghana believes that reliance on unproven allegations, in the absence of a judicial ruling, raises critical issues of fairness and proportionality, according to the statement.
As a result, Ghana is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions with the relevant Canadian authorities regarding this issue.
On June 11, 2026, the Foreign Ministry of Ghana sent an official note of protest to Global Affairs Canada, as stated.
“The note also requested that Canada reconsider its regrettable decision. The Government of Ghana is resolute in exploring and pursuing all possible diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenues under Canadian and international law, including, when necessary, seeking judicial review by the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure that all pertinent legal and factual matters are given full and fair consideration in line with due process.
“Furthermore, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has been in dialogue with Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, since this issue came to his attention. The government also emphasizes Mr. Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the considerable national and global sporting implications involved, urging Canada to overturn its decision in the spirit of fairness and fundamental principles of common law. Ghana remains dedicated to constructive dialogues with Canadian authorities and to upholding the rule of law, human rights, and the presumption of innocence.
“The Government of Ghana values our long-standing excellent bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomatic reconciliation within the framework of our historically amicable and friendly traditions will lead to a timely and satisfactory resolution. May the beautiful game of football continue to uphold its reputation for uniting nations, creating enduring friendships, adhering to the rules, and fostering fair play both on and off the field.”
About The Author
