The Government of Ghana is seeking a review of Canada‘s decision to deny a visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Minister for Sports and Recreation Kofi Adams described the decision as unjustified, noting that while Partey faces legal charges, he has not been convicted of any offence and remains a free citizen in the country where the allegations originated.
According to the Minister, the United States granted Partey a visa for the tournament, making Canada’s decision difficult to understand.
Ghana has therefore engaged diplomatic channels through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to request a review of the decision, arguing that the refusal undermines the principle of presumption of innocence.
Meanwhile, the Sports Ministry has dismissed allegations of political interference in the distribution of World Cup tickets.
Kofi Adams said Ghana has secured 3,000 tickets for each World Cup match and that all tickets remain under the control of the Ministry through FIFA’s digital ticketing system. He stressed that no tickets have yet been distributed and that transfers will be made through the official FIFA application ahead of the team’s opening game.
The Minister also rejected claims that tickets had been reserved for members of the governing National Democratic Congress or Members of Parliament, insisting that the process remains transparent and non-partisan.
He further disclosed that government has released funds required for the first phase of Ghana’s World Cup campaign and assured Ghanaians that morale in the Black Stars camp remains high despite the visa controversy.
According to the Ministry, the team’s focus remains on representing Ghana honourably at the tournament.
