Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams has appealed to Canadian authorities to reconsider their decision to deny Black Stars vice-captain Thomas Partey a visa, insisting Ghana deserves to have its strongest squad available at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Partey has been unavailable for Ghana’s matches in Canada after Canadian border authorities refused him entry because of pending criminal charges in the United Kingdom.
The midfielder, who denies all the allegations against him, remains eligible to feature in matches played in the United States.
The Arsenal midfielder missed Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture against Panama in Toronto but has been available for the Black Stars’ matches staged on American soil.
Speaking to Citi Sports, Kofi Adams described Canada’s decision as “high-handed” and expressed hope that the country would reverse its position should Ghana return to Canada later in the tournament.
“We thought that the decision not to issue Thomas’ visa was a high-handed decision. We thought he could have been allowed to go in and partake. And I believe that the Canadians should be able to review that decision.
“And when a fresh application is made for them to decide in favour of Thomas Partey so he can do what he does best.”
The Minister also revealed that efforts are ongoing behind the scenes to resolve the situation should Ghana qualify for matches scheduled in Canada during the knockout stages.
We’ll do the best that we have to do. That’s the only thing that we can do.
“And we appeal to the Canadians in the spirit of their agreeing to host the World Cup to know that we are also a participating country and we want the best to represent us.
“And on this occasion, where especially the person has not been found guilty, they will temper… I wouldn’t even say justice with mercy, but they will make a decision in favour of Thomas Partey to be issued with a visa to enable him to do what, like I said, he does best.”
The visa issue has become one of the biggest off-field talking points involving Ghana’s World Cup campaign. While Canadian authorities based their decision on their immigration policies regarding pending criminal proceedings, Ghanaian officials have continued to push for a review, noting that Partey has not been convicted of any offence and is due to stand trial in the UK next year.
With the Black Stars in strong contention to go the round of 32 , the possibility of returning to Canada later in the tournament means the matter could become increasingly significant as Ghana continue their World Cup journey.
