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Ghana’s government has strongly criticised Canada, accusing it of disregarding international law after midfielder Thomas Partey was refused entry into the country owing to ongoing legal proceedings related to rape allegations. The Villarreal and Ghana star, who was expected to captain his national team in their 2026 World Cup opener against Panama, remains at the team’s training base in Boston following a visa rejection linked to the charges.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has condemned the ruling, describing it as “high-handed and extremely unfair.” Partey, formerly of Arsenal, was denied entry on Friday, leaving his availability for Ghana’s first World Cup fixture in serious doubt. The controversy revolves around charges filed by London’s Metropolitan Police, which include seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the ministry asserted: “The Government of the Republic of Ghana expresses strong reservations following the high-handed and extremely unfair decision by Canada. While Ghana respects Canada’s sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, reliance on unproven allegations without a judicial determination raises serious concerns of fairness and proportionality. Ghana is therefore actively engaging Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels to address this issue.”

Ghanaian officials have insisted that the visa rejection sets a troubling precedent, claiming it undermines the principles of justice and due process. Sports Minister Kofi Adams has been outspoken in his criticism, suggesting that Canada’s decision breaches international norms. Speaking to Channel One TV, Adams remarked: “If any Ghanaian is treated unfairly anywhere, we will not remain silent. We have formally reached out to the relevant authorities, urging them to review this decision, which we believe contravenes international conventions that both Ghana and Canada are signatories to. We’ve escalated the matter appropriately and trust that justice will prevail.”

Canadian authorities, however, have defended their stance. A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada reiterated that the country applies consistent standards regarding border security and admissibility. The office of Minister Lena Diab clarified to ESPN that the decision to deny Partey a visa was made “based on the facts available and the governing law.”

FIFA has also expressed support for Canada’s autonomy in determining its visa policies, affirming that the host nation retains the right to decide who is allowed entry during the tournament. Nonetheless, this has not satisfied Ghana’s representatives, with Adams calling the rationale behind the denial “flimsy,” citing that Partey continues to live and work freely in England while awaiting trial.

The Black Stars are due to face Panama on Wednesday, but uncertainty surrounds their campaign as the legal and diplomatic row continues. Although Partey is currently barred from travelling to Canada, he remains with the squad in the United States, where Ghana will play further Group L matches against England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia later this month.

If Ghana advance to the knockout stage, the situation could become even more delicate. The team’s potential round-of-16 fixture on July 2 is scheduled for Toronto, prompting the Ghanaian government to urge Canada to “reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness and the fundamental principles of common law.” Accra hopes for a resolution before the tournament reaches its crucial phases.