A diplomatic dispute is brewing between Ghana and Canada after Ottawa denied entry to Ghanaian international footballer Thomas Partey on what Accra calls “very flimsy grounds,” with the Ghanaian government accusing Canadian authorities of applying a “presumed guilty” standard that contradicts fundamental legal principles.

The 33-year-old Villarreal midfielder, who has been charged but not convicted in the United Kingdom, was barred from entering Canada for Ghana’s group stage matches in the ongoing tournament.

The decision has prompted an official rebuke from Ghana’s government, which insists that Partey and his teammates followed all appropriate visa application procedures.

‘An Unacceptable Precedent’

Speaking on behalf of the Ghanaian government, officials argued that Canada is setting a dangerous precedent by treating a criminal charge as equivalent to a conviction.

“Thomas was one of the players who was asked to go to the [London] embassy for his biometrics, and then yesterday morning we got the decision that he has been denied entry to Canada on very flimsy grounds,” a government spokesman, identified as Adams, said. “I say flimsy because the person has already been charged, he has not been found guilty.”

Adams drew a sharp contrast between Canada’s approach and the legal reality in the United Kingdom, where Partey continues to live and work freely.

“Even in the country where they claim he committed the act, for which reason he is in court, which he has denied, he is still living there, as a free citizen, walking about freely and doing anything every free citizen should do,” Adams said. “He’s plying his trade, so one is therefore surprised that Canada – which is so far away – will now apply rules to the extent where somebody has merely been charged.”

Legal Standards in Question

In the United Kingdom, a criminal case proceeds to court only after the police and the Crown Prosecution Service determine that the legal threshold for prosecution has been met. A charge, Ghana notes, is not a finding of guilt.

“This is absolutely wrong,” Adams said. “I don’t understand why today Canada is interpreting their rules to suggest that a charge means guilty.”

The Ghanaian government believes that Partey and his teammates went through the appropriate steps to apply for a visa and that Canadian authorities have overstepped in their interpretation of immigration regulations. Accra is now calling for an urgent review of the ruling, which it describes as “unfair” and potentially damaging to international sporting diplomacy.

Tournament Implications

The visa denial has immediate consequences for Ghana’s campaign. After opening their group stage against Panama, the Black Stars will face England in Boston before concluding Group L against Croatia in Philadelphia on June 27.

However, the ruling could prove even more costly if Ghana advances. Should they finish as runners-up in their group, they would be forced to return to Canada to face the second-place team from Group K in Toronto on July 2 – a match Partey would almost certainly be barred from playing.

A Clash of Principles

Legal experts note that Canada, like many nations, reserves the right to deny entry to individuals with pending criminal charges abroad. However, Ghana’s core objection is that a charge alone – without conviction – should not automatically equate to inadmissibility, particularly when the individual remains free in the jurisdiction where the alleged offense occurred.

The case has raised broader questions about how host nations balance immigration enforcement with the rights of athletes and the integrity of international sporting competitions.

As of press time, Canadian authorities had not issued a detailed public response to Ghana’s criticism. However, diplomatic sources suggest that Accra may escalate the matter through formal channels if the ruling is not reconsidered before the potential knockout-round fixture in Toronto.

For now, Ghana’s government remains firm: Partey is innocent until proven guilty, and applying a “presumed guilty” standard is, in Accra’s view, an unacceptable departure from international legal norms.

We have carefully curated the most impactful and relevant stories from across Ghana dominating the news cycle. Happy reading!

Missing UCC Student Innocentia Avinu Found Dead on Cape Coast Beach

The University of Cape Coast (UCC) community is in mourning after the body of Level 200 student Innocentia Avinu was discovered washed ashore near Hutchland Beach Resort. The student was last seen on June 11, 2026, at the Ayensu Plaza Hostel wearing a black dress. Her family reported her missing, leading to a search that ended tragically when her body was found on June 12.

Police received reports of an unidentified female body around 3:15 a.m., with blood from the nose but no visible external injuries. The body was identified at the Cape Coast Teaching Hospital mortuary on June 13 with assistance from family and the Dean of Students. No signs of violence were observed in preliminary examinations. An autopsy is pending as the Central Regional Crime Scene Team continues investigations to determine the cause of death. Read the full story here

Suspected Armed Robber Dies from Gunshot After Snatching Taxi at La

A suspected armed robber known locally as ‘Mugu’ died from a gunshot wound following a daring taxi hijacking at La in Accra on June 13, 2026. The suspect allegedly confronted the driver of a Daewoo Matiz taxi (GS 8598-17) near La Girls’ School, fired a shot, and seized the vehicle. Eyewitnesses reported fear among residents due to the visible firearm.

The stolen taxi later crashed nearby, after which the suspect was found with a gunshot injury. It remains unclear when or how the wound was sustained, but some eyewitnesses say it may be self-inflicted. Police conveyed the body to the Police Hospital mortuary. The driver was reportedly traumatised but attended to. Investigations are ongoing into the circumstances of the death and the broader incident. Read the full story here

Multiple Injured in Konongo Highway Crash Involving Container Truck

Several people sustained injuries in a serious accident at the Lady Diana section of the Accra-Kumasi Highway in Konongo, Ashanti Region. A KIA container truck (GN 1591-20) reportedly suffered brake failure, veered off its lane, and rammed into a parked fuel tanker before colliding with an oncoming taxi.

Ghana National Fire Service personnel, with help from residents, rescued trapped victims, including the drivers of the taxi and tanker. The injured were rushed to Steward Hospital in Yawkwei. No fatalities were recorded, though traffic was disrupted. Police investigations point to brake failure as the likely cause, renewing calls for stricter vehicle maintenance on major highways. Read the full story here

Six Arrested in Security Crackdown on Defiant China Mall Project in Koforidua

Security forces have arrested six individuals and declared the China Mall construction site at Kenkey Factory in Koforidua a restricted zone. The joint operation by National Security, Ghana Armed Forces, and Police targeted developers who allegedly defied a stop-work order from the Eastern Regional Security Council (REGSEC) over drainage and flooding concerns.

The site was cordoned off after intelligence indicated resumed work despite directives requiring drainage reconstruction. Some Chinese developers reportedly locked themselves in buildings while workers fled. Authorities emphasize public safety and enforcement of agreements to mitigate flooding risks in the area. Further investigations continue. Read the full story here

Bank of Ghana Orders Banks to Sever Ties with Unauthorised Crypto Platforms

The Bank of Ghana (BoG) has directed all banks and regulated financial institutions to immediately stop supporting unauthorised foreign currency wallet services, particularly USD wallets, offered by crypto platforms. The central bank cited concerns over activities potentially violating the Payment Systems and Services Act and Foreign Exchange Act, as these platforms lack proper authorisation in Ghana.

Institutions must discontinue any banking, payment processing, or settlement services linked to such platforms. Non-compliance could result in supervisory or enforcement actions. This move aims to strengthen regulatory oversight in the evolving digital finance space. Read the full story here

Government Releases GH¢76 Million to Support Black Stars World Cup Campaign

The Government of Ghana has released GH¢76 million to back the Black Stars’ participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This includes GH¢58 million (US$5 million equivalent) as an advance for preparations and group stage participation, plus GH¢17 million (US$1.488 million equivalent) to settle outstanding qualification bonuses.

The funding, announced by Presidential Spokesman Felix Kwakye Ofosu, underscores the government’s commitment to the team’s success in the tournament co-hosted by the US, Canada, and Mexico. Officials called on Ghanaians to rally behind the national team. Read the full story here

Wontumi Seeks Plea Bargain in GH¢30 Million Exim Bank Fraud Case

Popular politician and businessman Bernard Antwi Boasiako (Chairman Wontumi) has requested a plea bargain in his ongoing GH¢30 million fraud case involving the Ghana Export-Import Bank. The NPP Ashanti Regional Chairman is facing charges including defrauding by false pretences, uttering forged documents, money laundering, and causing financial loss to a public body, Wontumi made the request through his lawyer.

The case stems from an alleged 2018 facility for a farming project by Wontumi Farms that was never executed, with funds allegedly diverted. Investigations by EOCO revealed discrepancies in documents and land claims. Court proceedings continue. Read the full story here

The Government of Ghana is repatriating 327 of its citizens from the Port Bouët Municipality in Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire, following a mass demolition exercise that left the migrants stranded without shelter or livelihoods.

According to a press release from Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dated June 12, 2026, authorities have already facilitated the safe return of 228 Ghanaian nationals, who arrived in Ghana on Thursday, June 11. Arrangements have been concluded for the remaining returnees to return home on June 12.

The confirmation was also shared on social media by Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, who described the operation as a “special consular intervention” aimed at guaranteeing the protection and welfare of stranded compatriots.

“The Government of Ghana is repatriating 327 Ghanaians from La Côte d’Ivoire following a mass demolition exercise by Ivorian authorities,” Ablakwa wrote. “228 arrived in Ghana safely yesterday. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ special consular intervention of bringing back home Ghanaians and their belongings is to guarantee the protection and welfare of our stranded compatriots.”

Lost Livelihoods, Lost Homes

The affected Ghanaian nationals had been residing in areas targeted by the ongoing demolition exercise being undertaken by Ivorian authorities in the Port Bouët Municipality.

Officials stated that the migrants became stranded after losing their sources of livelihood and lacking the means to secure alternative accommodation in Côte d’Ivoire.

In response, the Government of Ghana has provided buses and trucks to convey the returnees and their belongings free of charge back to Ghana safely.

Compensation Promised

The Ministry further acknowledged that Ivorian authorities have expressed their desire to compensate the victims of the demolition exercise.

Ghana’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan will remain actively engaged to ensure that the promised compensation is received by the affected nationals.

“The Ministry is grateful to all those who brought this development to our attention and conveys appreciation to our diplomatic mission in Abidjan and Ivorian authorities for the effective cooperation and welcome promise of compensation,” Ablakwa added.

Commitment to Citizen Welfare

The Government of Ghana reiterated its commitment to the welfare and protection of Ghanaians, pledging to intensify efforts to provide the necessary support for the successful return and reintegration of the affected individuals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed its appreciation to the authorities of Côte d’Ivoire and all stakeholders for their cooperation in facilitating the repatriation.

Further updates will be communicated to the public as appropriate.