Ghana Threatens Legal Action Over Canada’s Visa Denial for Soccer Player Awaiting Rape Trial
The Ghanaian government is planning to take legal action after Canadian immigration authorities denied a visa application to Thomas Partey, a member of Ghana’s national soccer team who is awaiting a rape trial in London.
Partey, a midfielder who played for English club Arsenal in 2025, has pleaded not guilty to the charges against him. He was scheduled to travel with his team from their base camp in Smithfield, Rhode Island, to Toronto for Ghana’s opening game against Panama on June 17.
Ghana Calls Decision “Extremely Unfair”
In a statement posted on social media on Saturday, the Ghanaian government criticized the visa denial as “extremely unfair” and argued that Partey should be presumed innocent before his trial. Ghana says it is exploring all diplomatic, legal and administrative avenues in response to the decision.
Canada Defends Its Immigration Process
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada responded that it makes its decisions on a case-by-case basis and that hosting large events does not change its immigration laws.
Partey is due to stand trial in November or later.
– With files from Associated Press
