Thomas Partey’s Visa Denial Overshadows Black Stars’ World Cup Build-Up, Says Berekum West MP

The absence of Thomas Partey from Ghana’s opening World Cup fixture against Panama has become a national talking point — but not for the reasons the Black Stars’ coaching staff would have preferred.

Dickson Kyere Duah, the Member of Parliament for Berekum West, expressed deep frustration on Tuesday that the midfielder’s visa troubles in Canada had consumed more oxygen in the public conversation than the tactical preparation, team morale, and goodwill messages that should have defined the hours before Ghana’s most important match in four years.

“I am very sad this morning,” Duah said. “Instead of talking about tactics, talking about goodwill messages, talking about that beautiful message from the Vice-President last night when she met the team and the way she rallied the players, Partey’s issue has become the distraction and is attracting more media attention than the preparation of the team itself.”

What Happened

Partey, one of Ghana’s most high-profile players and a key figure in the midfield, was denied entry into Canada ahead of Wednesday’s Group L opener in Toronto. Reports indicate that inconsistencies in his visa documentation — specifically regarding personal details such as his father’s date of birth — raised red flags with Canadian immigration authorities.

The denial means the 32-year-old will miss the Panama match entirely, a blow to a squad that had been built around his experience and ability to control the tempo of play in the centre of the park.

A Lesson for All, Says MP

Beyond the immediate footballing implications, Duah framed the incident as a cautionary tale for anyone navigating international travel documentation. He pointed to the painstaking detail required in visa applications, particularly for destinations like the United States and Canada, where even minor discrepancies can trigger denials.

“When you are filling out these forms, there are a number of questions. For instance, for the United States, there are forms where you even have to provide the date of birth of your father,” he explained. “Whatever information you provide, you should be consistent with it. These are some of the most important things authorities look at during applications. When there is any semblance of deception, it raises red flags.”

Rallying Behind the Team

Despite his disappointment, Duah struck an optimistic note about Ghana’s prospects. He argued that the squad possesses equally competent replacements and urged the nation to set aside the controversy and focus on supporting the team.

“I still think that in his absence, there are equally competent replacements in the team,” he said. “Let us rally behind the team and put Partey’s issue in the freezer. After this match, we will look at the way forward.”

The sentiment was echoed by senior political figures. Former President John Dramani Mahama secured free-to-air broadcast rights for all Black Stars matches, ensuring every Ghanaian can watch the tournament regardless of their cable subscription status. The Vice-President also met with the squad on the eve of the match to deliver a morale-boosting address.

The Bigger Picture

Partey’s absence is not the only storyline threatening to overshadow Ghana’s campaign. Paraphernalia sales have slumped as fan confidence wavers, and the team itself has been warned by Antoine Semenyo not to make a slow start against Panama if they hope to progress from the group stage.

For the players who do take the pitch on Wednesday evening, the challenge is clear: play well enough that the conversation shifts back to football. For the rest of the country, Duah’s plea is simple — put the drama aside and get behind the team.

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