A group campaigning for Black Stars midfielder, Thomas Partey has announced plans to stage a protest over Canada’s decision to deny the player a visa ahead of Ghana’s game against Panama in Canada.
Speaking on Metro TV’s Good Morning Ghana programme on Monday, June 15, 2026, lead convenor Dr Solomon Owusu said supporters and Ghanaian citizens would march and present a petition to Canada’s ambassador in the United States, Mark Wiseman, urging authorities to reconsider the decision.
The demonstration is scheduled for Tuesday, 16th June, at 8am, although organisers are still awaiting approval from the police.
Dr Owusu argued that Partey, who plays for Spanish club Villarreal and Ghana’s national team, should not be prevented from travelling.
“This issue is exceptional. Partey is not restricted in his movement. He can travel around the world.”
He said, “We need to also shake the system for them to see that Ghanaians can speak. They cannot always suppress us like that. Partey is not a criminal.”
According to him, the group has already completed preparations for the planned demonstration.
“The petition is ready. We have prepared the petition. We have organised our grassroots supporters, our loudspeakers and everything,” he said.
Dr Owusu, however, indicated that the protest could be called off if Canadian authorities reverse their decision.
“If today, Monday, we get a signal from the authorities that they have granted him the visa, there would be no need for a demonstration on Tuesday,” he said.
He said public interest in the protest had been strong but acknowledged that obtaining police approval remained the main challenge.
“People are showing interest. The only challenge is the police permit. We are working to get it and we hope to secure it today,” he said.
Responding to arguments that sovereign states have the right to determine who enters their territory, Dr Owusu insisted that Partey’s case was different from other high profile visa refusals involving politicians, celebrities and business figures.
“I respect those views, but this issue is different,” he said. “Those individuals were travelling for personal reasons, business, tourism or private visits. Partey is travelling as part of Ghana’s national team for a tournament being hosted by Canada.”
He stressed that the player had not been convicted of any offence and was still able to travel under conditions set by the court.
“It is an allegation levelled against him. The matter is before the court and the court has given him permission to travel,” Dr Owusu said.
“We want the authorities to explore the waiver provisions available in such circumstances. Partey is going to play for Ghana and this decision is affecting the whole nation, not just him as an individual.”
When reminded that visas are issued to individuals rather than groups, Dr Owusu maintained that the purpose of Partey’s travel should be taken into account.
“The reason for the visa application is that he is going to represent Ghana in a tournament hosted by Canada. That is the difference,” he said.
He warned that Partey’s absence could have consequences for Ghana’s performance.
“I support Ghana and I want Ghana to do well. If we lose this Panama game, we are done,” he said. “That is why we are going to protest and speak to their ambassador in the United States.”
