Ghana Government Seeks Review After Canada Denies Thomas Partey Entry Ahead of World Cup Opener

Ghana’s government has confirmed it will seek an official review after Canadian authorities denied midfielder Thomas Partey entry ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Partey, who is currently with the Black Stars’ base camp in Boston, has been charged by London’s Metropolitan Police with seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Despite his legal situation, the decision by Canada to refuse entry means the midfielder is now set to miss Ghana’s World Cup opener, sparking a diplomatic and sporting response from the West African nation.

Speaking on Friday, Ghana’s Sports Minister Kofi Adams confirmed that the government has already reached out to the relevant authorities and will continue pushing for a formal review of the decision.

"If any Ghanaian is touched anywhere, we will not keep quiet over it," Sports Minister Kofi Adams told local station Channel One TV on Friday. "Through the appropriate channels, we have communicated to the rightful authorities and are requesting for them to use all processes to review and give opportunity for a review of such a decision that we think frowns on international laws and conventions, which both Ghana and Canada are party to.

"We think it's appropriate to get the appropriate authorities to review this decision," he added. "We've taken it to that level, and we hope and pray that they do what they must do."