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Ed Dove
Multiple Authors
The government of Ghana has requested that Canada reconsider its decision to deny Thomas Partey entry into the country after he was refused access on Friday.
Ghana is set to play against Panama in their opening match of the World Cup on Wednesday.
Partey remains at the team’s camp in Boston while awaiting trial on seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault, charges brought against him by London’s Metropolitan Police. His denial of entry was based on these charges, which the Ghanaian government is contesting as it believes this decision is unwarranted. Partey has maintained his innocence, pleading not guilty to all allegations.
A statement released on Saturday by the Ghana Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed, “The Government of the Republic of Ghana strongly disapproves of Canada’s overbearing and unjust decision.”
Furthermore, the statement emphasized, “While we acknowledge Canada’s right to enforcement of its immigration laws, relying on unproven accusations in the absence of a judicial ruling raises serious issues regarding fairness and proportionality.
“Thus, Ghana is actively engaging in diplomatic discussions with relevant Canadian authorities on this matter.” The statement also pointed out, “We recognize Mr. Partey’s selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup carries significant national and international sporting implications, hence we urge Canada to reconsider its decision based on principles of fairness and common law.”
Sports Minister Kofi Adams told local news station Channel One TV, “If any Ghanaian is affected, we will speak up. We have communicated this issue through the proper channels, requesting a review of a decision that contradicts international laws and treaties to which both Ghana and Canada are signatories.
“We believe it is essential that the appropriate authorities review this ruling,” he added. “We’ve escalated this matter and hope for a positive resolution.”
A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, representing Minister Lena Diab, clarified to ESPN that the visa denial was based on their consistent individual assessment of all applicants according to the available facts and applicable law.
This stance has been backed by FIFA, which reaffirmed Canada’s authority in determining visa approvals and entry regulations.
The Ghanaian authorities argue that Partey, a midfielder for Villarreal, followed the proper visa application steps and that Canada is creating an unacceptable precedent by denying entry to the 33-year-old.
“Thomas attended the London embassy for his biometrics, and then we were informed yesterday morning that his entry into Canada was denied on rather weak grounds,” Adams stated. “I refer to them as weak because he has only been charged; he has not yet been convicted.”
“In fact, he continues to live in the very country where these accusations were made, exercising rights as a free citizen.”
“He is actively working, making it surprising that Canada—so far removed—would apply rules suggesting that a charge equates to guilt.”
In the UK, a charge is only validated for prosecution when the police and Crown Prosecution Service agree that the case has sufficient basis.
“This situation is absolutely incorrect,” Adams concluded. “I do not grasp why Canada is interpreting its regulations in such a way as to presume guilt from a charge.”
Following their match against Panama, Ghana will face the United States for their second group match against England in Boston, then wrap up their Group L campaign against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.
If they finish as runners-up in their group, they may need to travel back to Canada to compete against the second-place team from Group K in Toronto on July 2.