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Ghana's Sports Minister criticizes FIFA over Thomas Partey's denied Canadian visa
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Ghana's Minister of Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, has expressed disappointment with FIFA's response to the visa denial preventing Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey from participating in Ghana's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Canada. Speaking on Friday, June 12, 2026, Adams stated that FIFA has poorly handled situations surrounding the World Cup and questioned its stance that it cannot interfere in host countries' immigration decisions. He argued that FIFA has a responsibility to ensure accredited players are not unfairly prevented from participating, especially since Partey has met all eligibility requirements and has not violated any FIFA regulations. Adams highlighted that this issue concerns a key national team member, not an ordinary fan, and criticized FIFA's "lame statement" on the matter. He noted that countries hosting major international sporting events typically commit to providing access to participating athletes and officials. The minister also pointed out that Partey has recently been granted a visa to the United States and travels internationally despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom. Adams appealed for a review of the visa refusal, emphasizing its broader implications beyond Ghana's World Cup campaign.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Must ReadThe Commission on Human Rights and Administrative Justice CHRAJ has issued a warning that child labor continues to prevent thousands of children in Ghana from attending school. On June 12, 2026, marking the World Day Against Child Labour, CHRAJ stated that protecting children's rights is crucial for human dignity and social justice. The Commission highlighted that child labor deprives many children of their right to education, protection, development, and a safe childhood, despite Ghana's legal protections including the 1992 Constitution, the Children’s Act of 1998, the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child. Globally, about 138 million children are in child labor, with 54 million in hazardous work. In Ghana, 2023 data from the Ghana Statistical Service indicates over 1.1 million children aged 5–17 were engaged in economic activity, and more than 458,000 of these children were not attending school. CHRAJ emphasized that this situation hinders children's access to education and opportunities, perpetuating poverty. Under the theme “Red Card to Child Labour: Fair Play for Children, Decent Work for Adults,” CHRAJ called for renewed national commitment to address child labor, which it described as a direct violation of national and international law, warning that inaction could worsen inequality and undermine development.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, led by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has formally protested Canada's decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey a temporary residence application for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ghana described the decision as 'high-handed and extremely unfair,' arguing it was based on pending criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom that have not resulted in a conviction. Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada determined Partey was inadmissible under paragraph A361c of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Ghana stressed that the decision raises concerns about fairness and due process, reaffirming the legal principle of the presumption of innocence. While acknowledging Canada's sovereign right, Ghana believes relying on unresolved allegations without a judicial determination warrants scrutiny. Diplomatic efforts are underway, with an official note of protest dispatched to Canadian authorities on June 11, 2026, requesting a review. Ablakwa has engaged Canadian officials, including the Canadian High Commissioner to Ghana, to resolve the matter. Ghana is prepared to pursue all available diplomatic, legal, and administrative avenues, including a possible judicial review before the Federal Court of Canada. The government noted Partey's selection for the upcoming FIFA World Cup and urged Canada to reconsider its decision in the interest of fairness and common law principles. Ghana expressed optimism for an amicable resolution through ongoi
Former Ghanaian soldier Daniel Asiedu claims he was dismissed from the Ghana Armed Forces GAF after participating in an operation that led to the arrest of suspected Chinese illegal mining galamsey operators. In an interview aired on June 12, 2026, Asiedu recounted that in 2023, while attending a funeral in Kumasi, he and other soldiers encountered armed Chinese nationals engaged in galamsey in Obuasi. They arrested over eleven individuals, who were allegedly in possession of weapons, and handed them over to EOCO in Kumasi. Asiedu stated that upon his return, he was summoned by the Military Police, interrogated over allegations of taking money from the Chinese nationals, which he denied, and subsequently held in a guardroom for about two weeks with his colleagues. After a period at the 37 Military Hospital for an ulcer, he was again held in the guardroom for two weeks, followed by a three-month suspension without trial. He was then dismissed from the GAF, while other soldiers involved in the same operation reportedly remain in service. Asiedu believes his dismissal was politically motivated, alleging he was associated with the National Democratic Congress NDC and that the operation may have embarrassed the government under the New Patriotic Party. He claims he was never formally charged or brought before a court.