Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams has confirmed that the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken decisive diplomatic action by formally writing to Global Affairs Canada, requesting an urgent review of the visa decision that has barred midfielder Thomas Partey from entering the country for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
This high-level intervention underscores the seriousness with which the Ghanaian government views the situation and its determination to resolve the impasse swiftly, ensuring that one of the Black Stars’ most vital players can join the squad ahead of their crucial opening fixture.
The move targets the denial of entry to Partey specifically, aiming to overturn the Canadian authorities’ ruling so the 32-year-old Villarreal star can travel from Ghana’s pre-tournament base in Boston to Toronto and participate fully with the national team.
With the Black Stars set to face Panama on Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field in what promises to be a high-stakes Group L encounter, the Ghanaian camp recognizes that Partey’s absence would create a significant midfield void at a moment when squad cohesion and experience are paramount.
Adams’ statement highlights the proactive steps being taken through official diplomatic channels, reflecting a coordinated effort between the Sports Ministry, the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Ghana Football Association to navigate the bureaucratic and legal hurdles imposed by the visa refusal.
This latest development comes amid ongoing frustration over what many in Ghana perceive as an overly rigid interpretation of immigration rules, especially given that Partey continues to live freely in the United Kingdom—the origin of the unresolved allegations against him—while having successfully secured entry into the United States.
The formal letter to Global Affairs Canada represents a clear escalation in Ghana’s response, signaling to Canadian officials and the broader international football community that the matter extends beyond sports into questions of fairness, consistency, and the presumption of innocence.
As the clock ticks toward match day, officials remain hopeful that this diplomatic outreach will yield a positive outcome, allowing Partey to link up with his teammates and contribute his leadership, passing range, and tactical intelligence to what is expected to be an intense campaign against strong opposition including England and Croatia.
The entire episode has galvanized national support behind the player and the team, turning the visa saga into a broader rallying point for Ghanaian resilience on the global stage.
