Canada has denied Thomas Party visa entry for Black Star’s first group stage match on Wednesday against Panama which will be hosted in Canada. The basis of the denial is simply the ongoing rape charges brought against Thomas who has not yet been declared guilty by the court.
Speaking on the matter on TV3’s Ghana Tonight, Monday, June 15, the Minister stressed that the government would not abandon the midfielder, describing him as an important member of Ghana’s senior national team whose participation is vital to the country’s campaign.
“This is not a matter we have just left hanging there. We are not going to abandon Thomas because he is our deputy captain of the senior national team. We are not going to abandon him at this moment and so we will be with him,” the Minister stated.
According to him, the government is engaging Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels while also exploring other legitimate avenues to ensure the player’s rights are protected and that he is not prevented from representing Ghana.
He explained that efforts are underway to resolve any issues that could hinder Partey’s entry into Canada, emphasizing that the player would be travelling in his capacity as a member of a national team participating in an international sporting event.
“And so, all diplomatic channels are being used to make sure that this matter is dealt with. We are also not just staying with diplomatic channels, we are using other means to make sure that the rights of Thomas Partey and by extension Ghana to be fully represented by its best is not stopped by any means,” he said.
The Minister argued that Partey’s visit to Canada should be viewed within the context of an international competition hosted by the country and not as a private trip.
“We have made it clear that Thomas Partey is not entering Canada for a private frolicking event. He is coming to Canada because Canada bid to host an international event,” he added.
Kofi Adams argued that Canada’s rules on visa entry pertaining to persons under trial should not be applied in this case because the country bidded to host an international event, hence its rules which he described as “minority” cannot be applied.
The Minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that Ghana fields its strongest possible squad for international assignments and expressed confidence that ongoing engagements would yield a positive outcome.
