The Government of Ghana has intensified diplomatic efforts to secure travel clearance for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the country’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
With Ghana set to face Panama on June 17, uncertainty remains over Partey’s participation after reports emerged that Canadian immigration authorities denied him a Temporary Resident Visa.
Addressing the issue, Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that the government is actively engaging Canadian authorities in an attempt to resolve the matter before Ghana’s first game of the tournament.
“We are using all diplomatic channels available to us and remain hopeful that this matter can be resolved before Ghana’s opening game,” Ablakwa said.
The visa setback has prompted high-level diplomatic discussions between Ghana and Canada. According to reports, the decision by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) was linked to ongoing criminal proceedings involving Partey in the United Kingdom.
However, Ghanaian officials have challenged the decision, arguing that it overlooks the fundamental legal principle that every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
Ablakwa described the visa refusal as unfair and premature, noting that Partey has pleaded not guilty to the allegations and has not been convicted of any offence.
The Foreign Minister maintained that preventing the midfielder from entering Canada before the conclusion of legal proceedings effectively amounts to treating him as guilty before any verdict has been reached.
Beyond the diplomatic dispute, the development has raised concerns within Ghana’s World Cup camp. Partey is regarded as one of the team’s most influential players, and his experience, leadership and midfield quality are expected to be crucial to the Black Stars’ campaign.
His absence would represent a significant setback for head coach Otto Addo as Ghana prepares for a challenging group-stage encounter against Panama.
As part of efforts to find a solution, Ablakwa has reportedly held discussions with Canada’s High Commissioner to Ghana, Her Excellency Myriam Montrat, seeking a swift review of the visa decision.
While FIFA has indicated that visa and immigration matters remain the responsibility of host countries and fall outside its jurisdiction, Ghana’s government continues to explore diplomatic and legal options to secure Partey’s participation.
With kickoff fast approaching, attention now turns to whether ongoing negotiations can produce a breakthrough in time for one of Ghana’s most important players to take his place on football’s biggest stage.
The outcome of the talks could prove decisive not only for Partey’s World Cup hopes but also for Ghana’s ambitions as the Black Stars begin their quest for success in the tournament.
