World Cup: Hon. Okudzeto Ablakwa Calls for Fair Treatment of Partey After Canadian Visa Denial
Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Member of Parliament for the Volta Region’s North Tongu Constituency, has expressed support for Thomas Teye Partey following the denial of a Canadian visa.
The Black Stars of Ghana will begin their World Cup campaign against the Red Tide of Panama at the BMO Field Stadium in Canada, but it has been officially reported that the dynamic midfielder of Villarreal was denied a visa to Canada, following allegations that he raped and sexually assaulted four women.
The 32-year-old Ghanaian midfielder will face the charges on June 8, 2027, in a trial at Southwark Crown Court, as ruled in November 2025 by the judge, Mr Justice Bennathan.
Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its assigned minister, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, have issued a statement to all media outlets stating that the decision must be rescinded.
“The Government of Ghana is determined to explore and pursue all available diplomatic, legal and administrative remedies under Canadian and international law, including, where appropriate, judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada, to ensure full and fair consideration of all relevant legal and factual issues in accordance with due process,” as stated in paragraph eight of the statement.
“Government further notes Mr. Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and the significant national and global sporting considerations at stake, and therefore urges Canada to rescind its decision in the matter of fairness and careful principles of common law.”
The statement went on to reveal that Canada and Ghana have long had cordial and friendly relations.
“The Government of Ghana cherishes our longstanding excellent bilateral relations with Canada and hopes that diplomatic reproachment within the context of our historically cordial and friendly traditions would lead to an amicable resolution in a timely manner,” the penultimate paragraph read.
