Thomas Partey denied Canada visa ahead of Ghana's World Cup match, sparking social media debate
via GhanaWeb3 min read
Ghanaian footballer Thomas Partey has been denied entry into Canada, preventing him from participating in Ghana's opening World Cup fixture against Panama on June 17, 2026. This decision has ignited widespread reactions on social media, with many users expressing concern over the timing and its potential impact on Ghana's sporting advantage. The debate extends beyond football, touching on issues of fairness, justice, and international policy. Many argue that a player not convicted of wrongdoing should not be barred from representing his national team, questioning the integrity of tournaments when key players are affected. Some critics highlight perceived inconsistencies in international travel rules for footballers, drawing comparisons to other high-profile players who have traveled despite past allegations. Conversely, a smaller segment of reactions supports Canada's right to enforce its immigration laws, irrespective of sporting implications.
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This summary was AI-generated from a story originally published by GhanaWeb.
The Environmental Protection Agency EPA in Tarkwa has called on traditional leaders to utilize their cultural and spiritual authority to combat illegal mining, known as galamsey, in Ghana. Mr. Derick Ashia Logo, the Regional Director of the EPA in Tarkwa, stated that illegal miners are increasingly fortified and pose security risks to enforcement officers. He suggested that chiefs, as custodians of the land, could invoke cultural beliefs, taboos, and customary sanctions to deter illegal mining activities, thereby complementing government efforts. Mr. Logo also advocated for government financial support for community-based environmental protection initiatives and stricter accountability for traditional leaders who fail to protect natural resources under their jurisdiction. The EPA emphasizes that illegal mining remains a significant environmental challenge, causing destruction to rivers, forests, and farmlands, and creating security concerns for anti-galamsey operations.
Must ReadKwabena Amaning, known as Tagor, and Alhaji Issah Abass, who were sentenced to 15 years in prison in 2007 for drug-related offenses, have been acquitted and discharged by the Court of Appeal. The two businessmen were at the center of a controversial case involving the disappearance of 76 parcels of cocaine from the MV Benjamin vessel. The Court of Appeal's three-member panel, chaired by Mr Justice Peasare, ordered their immediate release after they had spent a year and seven months in prison. The court found that the charges against them were defective and the prosecution failed to establish the offenses. It noted that the prosecution could not specify the location or date of the alleged crimes, creating gaps in the evidence. The Court of Appeal also criticized the trial judge for overruling a submission of no case and questioned why the prosecution did not call Assistant Commissioner of Police Kofi Boakye as a witness. Furthermore, the court stated that the whereabouts of the 76 parcels of cocaine remained a mystery, and a recorded conversation between Tagor, Abass, and Kofi Boakye was a private attempt by Boakye to clear his name, not a confession. The court dismissed the prosecution's claims regarding conspiracy and the alleged sale of cocaine, stating that such transactions were not proven and that local jargon for drugs could not be legally supported.
The Ghana School of Law has announced a proposed annual fee of GHS 14,943 for its new Pre-Bar Course, applicable to students across participating law faculties. This proposal, detailed in a letter dated June 17, 2026, and signed by Professor Raymond A. Atuguba, Director of Legal Education, follows consultations with the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Acting Chief Justice and Acting Chairperson of the General Legal Council, and other stakeholders. The fee was calculated on a prorated basis, as the Pre-Bar course is expected to cover an average of four subjects, compared to the GHS 22,415 approved for the six-subject Part I of the professional training program. The institution stated that the GHS 14,943 charge aims to provide a harmonized benchmark for all institutions offering the program, ensuring fairness, consistency, and affordability without compromising the quality of legal education. Universities or faculties facing unique circumstances may apply to the Council for Legal Education and Training CLET for special dispensation, with such requests requiring adequate justification and assessed on a case-by-case basis to accommodate institutional and student-specific concerns while implementing legal education reforms.