Ghana's Thomas Partey denied entry into Canada for World Cup opener
via GhanaWeb2 min read
Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey will reportedly miss the Black Stars' opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama in Toronto, Canada, after being denied entry into the country. According to a report by The Athletic, Partey, a former Arsenal midfielder, is unable to travel to Canada, making him unavailable for selection for the match scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, 2026, at BMO Field. Sources familiar with the matter, who are not authorized to speak publicly, indicated that the development is believed to be connected to Canada's immigration regulations. The Canadian government's website states that individuals who have committed or been convicted of a crime may not be permitted entry. Partey has been charged in the United Kingdom but is awaiting trial and has not been convicted of any offense, and he has consistently denied the allegations. Neither the Ghana Football Association nor Partey's representatives had publicly commented on the report at the time of its filing.
Free daily or weekly digest of the most important stories from across 18 African countries. No spam, unsubscribe any time.
This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
Environmental advocacy organization A Rocha Ghana has condemned an attack on Forestry Commission personnel and the destruction of state property at Babatokuma in Ghana's Kintampo District. The incident, which occurred on June 9, endangered lives and damaged staff accommodation at a timber checkpoint. A Rocha Ghana stated that such acts threaten environmental protection and the rule of law, highlighting a trend of violence against conservation workers. The organization expressed concern that these attacks often go unresolved, emboldening perpetrators and weakening environmental law enforcement. A Rocha Ghana called on the Ghana Police Service to conduct a swift investigation and ensure justice for those responsible. They also urged enhanced security for Forestry Commission personnel, greater transparency in handling such cases, and stronger collaboration among state institutions. The organization appealed to government, traditional authorities, civil society groups, and local communities to unite in protecting Ghana's natural resources through lawful means.
The Savannah Regional Health Directorate has confirmed that a newborn went missing from the East Gonja District Hospital in Salaga on June 10, 2026. Following an unsuccessful search within the facility, the incident was reported to the East Gonja District Police Command for investigation. The Directorate expressed its condolences to the baby's family and assured them of support during the ongoing investigation. It also reaffirmed its commitment to patient safety and appealed to the public for any information regarding the missing baby. In connection with the incident, the Tamale Circuit Court has remanded two midwives from the facility into police custody for one week.
The Ghanaian government, through the Ministry of Finance, has authorized the release of GH垄76,466,919.20 to support the Senior National Football Team, the Black Stars. This financial commitment is divided into two disbursements for the team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. An advance payment of GH垄58,929,500.00 US$5,000,000.00 has been released for World Cup preparations and group stage participation. Additionally, GH垄17,537,419.20 US$1,488,000.00 has been released to settle outstanding qualification bonuses, fulfilling a performance-based agreement where 50 percent of bonuses were paid during qualifiers and the remaining 50 percent upon successful qualification. The government expressed its commitment to providing the team with necessary resources and called on Ghanaians to support the Black Stars.