The Government of Ghana has strongly criticized Canada's decision to deny entry to Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey, calling the move "extremely unfair" and "harsh," while urging Canadian authorities to reconsider the decision.

Ghana's national football team is set to face Panama in its opening FIFA World Cup match on Wednesday. However, one of the team's key players, Thomas Partey, remains at the squad's base camp in Boston, United States, after Canada refused to grant him a visa.

The decision comes as Partey prepares to face trial in the United Kingdom over seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault brought by London's Metropolitan Police. The midfielder has denied all allegations and maintains his innocence.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ghana's Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed "deep concern" over Canada's decision.

"While Ghana respects Canada's sovereign right to enforce its immigration laws, denying entry based solely on allegations before a final court ruling contradicts the fundamental principles of justice, fairness, and equality," the ministry stated.

The government added that it is actively engaging with Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels in an effort to resolve the matter.

According to the ministry, Partey's participation in the World Cup is significant not only for Ghana but also for international football. It urged Canada to reverse its decision "in the interest of justice and the fundamental principles of common law."

Ghana's Minister for Sports and Recreation, Kofi Adams, also criticized the decision during an interview with local television station TV One.

"Wherever a Ghanaian citizen is treated unfairly in the world, we will not remain silent," Adams said. "We have raised the matter with the appropriate authorities through diplomatic channels and requested a review of the decision."

He emphasized that Partey has only been accused of wrongdoing and has not been convicted by any court.

"Thomas Partey has not been found guilty. Yet Canada appears to be treating him as though he has already been convicted," Adams said.

The minister further noted that Partey continues to live freely and play professional football in the United Kingdom, where the alleged offenses are said to have occurred, making Canada's stance particularly surprising.

Meanwhile, Canada's Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Ministry defended its decision, stating that every visa application is assessed individually based on applicable laws and available information, and that the same process was followed in Partey's case.

FIFA has also backed Canada's position, noting that the country has the sovereign authority to determine who is eligible to enter its territory.

Following their opening match against Panama, Ghana will return to the United States to play England in Boston and Croatia in Philadelphia during the remainder of the group stage.

However, if Ghana finishes as runners-up in Group L, the team could return to Canada for a Round of 16 match in Toronto on July 2 against the runners-up from Group K. In that scenario, Partey's visa situation could become even more significant for Ghana's World Cup campaign.

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