Partey’s visa refusal should’ve been anticipated

Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee and MP for Bosome Freho, has criticised the handling of Thomas Partey’s travel arrangements, saying the government should have anticipated the circumstances that led to the midfielder’s reported inability to enter Canada for a crucial international fixture.

Thomas Partey is expected to miss Ghana’s Group L clash against Panama in Toronto on June 17 after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application.

The government formally protested Canada’s decision to deny a temporary residence visa to Black Stars’ deputy captain.

Speaking on Channel One Newsroom on Saturday, June 13, 2026, Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said government officials and football authorities should have foreseen potential complications surrounding the player’s travel and taken steps to prevent the situation.

“So, it is so disappointing to hear the Canadian authorities take such an action,” he said. “This action will go a very long way to deprive Ghana of some successes we want to make in the world.”

The lawmaker said the issue was particularly frustrating because Thomas Partey’s circumstances were already well known.

“As a country, we should have anticipated something like this,” he said. “One of our star players has had issues with the UK, from an international issue being dragged all over, and this very important player in our team has been selected to play.”

While stopping short of accusing officials of negligence, Asafo-Adjei Ayeh said authorities failed to take adequate precautions despite warning signs.

“I would not use the word negligent, but I would use the word they should have anticipated that you have a player in your state who has had some international issues, court charges, and all of that,” he said. “You need him in your team, and you must make sure that this player is protected.”

The MP argued that Ghana’s diplomatic machinery should have played a more proactive role in ensuring all requirements were met before the tournament.

“The job of the Minister of Foreign Affairs is also to ensure that all our players have what it takes to be in the country,” he said. “Particularly when the protest notice was given, it should have alerted authorities that extra care was needed.”

He said Ghana’s diplomatic missions routinely assist national teams participating in international competitions and suggested similar efforts should have been deployed in Partey’s case.

“For you to come and tell us that you’re going to pursue this diplomatically, this is what we already know,” he said. “What will be disappointing to everybody is if we fail as a country to use the diplomatic ties we have to get Thomas Partey to Canada.”

FIFA, in its response, said Partey’s inability to travel to Canada stems entirely from immigration decisions made by the host country, a matter that falls outside the governing body’s authority and control.

Despite the setback, Asafo-Adjei Ayeh urged authorities to continue engaging Canadian officials in an effort to secure the midfielder’s entry before the match.

“We have other tools and other things to use,” he said. “We should do everything we can to ensure that he gets to where he is supposed to get to.”

Partey’s absence would be a significant blow for Ghana as the Black Stars prepare for a key group-stage encounter against Panama.