The federal government has formally protested Canada’s choice to disclaim a short lived visa to Black Stars midfielder and World Cup squad member Thomas Partey, saying the transfer is unfair and inconsistent with the presumption of innocence.
In a press release launched by the Ghanaian Ministry of International Affairs on Saturday, the Ghanaian authorities stated it had “robust reservations” in regards to the Canadian authorities’ choice to disclaim the celebration’s visa utility forward of Ghana’s participation within the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) made the choice primarily based on the non-admission provisions of the Canadian Immigration Act, in line with a press release.
The federal government stated the refusal reportedly pertains to ongoing felony proceedings in opposition to Partey within the UK, although there was no conviction or judicial discovering of guilt.
The federal government harassed that the presumption of innocence stays a cornerstone of a democratic justice system and argued that counting on unproven allegations raises considerations about equity and proportionality.
“Whereas Ghana respects Canada’s sovereignty to implement its immigration legal guidelines, we imagine that counting on unproven costs within the absence of a judicial choice raises elementary questions of equity and proportionality,” the assertion stated.
The ministry stated it had begun diplomatic negotiations with Canadian authorities to have the choice reviewed. It was introduced on June 11 that an official letter of protest had been despatched to Worldwide Affairs Canada requesting that the visa denial be reconsidered.
International Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa additionally held discussions with Canadian officers, together with the Canadian Excessive Commissioner to Ghana, as a part of efforts to resolve the difficulty.
Ghana additional said that it’s pursuing all diplomatic, authorized and administrative cures out there underneath Canadian and worldwide regulation, together with the potential for judicial evaluate within the Federal Court docket of Canada, if needed.
The federal government identified that Partey’s choice to characterize the Black Stars would have a big sporting affect on Ghana’s World Cup marketing campaign, and urged Canadian authorities to rethink their place from the standpoint of equity and due course of.
FIFA has confirmed that Partey won’t be able to journey to Canada for the World Cup opener in opposition to Panama after his visa utility was rejected by the Canadian authorities. World soccer’s governing physique harassed that visa selections are the only real accountability of the host nation and are exterior FIFA’s jurisdiction.
Ghana reaffirmed its dedication to sustaining a robust bilateral relationship with Canada regardless of the setback and expressed optimism that continued diplomatic engagement will result in an amicable decision.
Partey, who at present performs for Spanish membership Villarreal, has denied all allegations in opposition to him and is anticipated to stay out there for Ghana’s upcoming World Cup matches in the US.
