Ghana Minute.
Monday, 15 June 2026
Ghana’s news, on the hour · Est. 2026
Monday, 15 June 2026
Accra—:—London—:—New York—:—Beijing—:—
Ghanaian press · Place

Panama

2026-04-242026-06-15

In coverage

Verbatim sentences from the source article.

  1. June 2026
  2. Joy Online

    The Black Stars are scheduled to depart Rhode Island for Toronto on Monday as preparations intensify for their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Panama.

    Black Stars to depart Rhode Island for Toronto today ahead of Panama clash on Wednesday
  3. Joy Online

    FIFA confirmed in a statement: “FIFA can confirm that player Thomas Partey will be unable to travel from Ghana’s team base camp … to Canada for their first match against Panama … as his visa application has been refused by the Canadian government.” Uruguay play their first two gr

    FIFA releases statement over Uruguay travel chaos before World Cup 2026 match
  4. Joy Online

    They then have matches against Ghana on Tuesday, 23 June (21:00 BST) and Panama on Saturday, 27 June (22:00 BST).

    ‘I’ll be staying out of the way’ – Southgate on World Cup punditry
  5. Joy Online

    Tribe Culturefest will stage a major FIFA World Cup 2026 fan activation at Toronto’s Sankofa Square as Ghana prepares to face Panama in a crucial group-stage encounter on 17 June.

    Asantehene to attend tribe Culturefest’s fan festival at Toronto’s Sankofa Square
  6. Ghana's Sports Ministry seeks FIFA help over Partey's visa denial

    1. Joy Online

      Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has questioned the effectiveness of Ghana’s World Cup planning structures following the visa denial that has sidelined Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars’ fixture against Panama in Canada.

      Asafo-Adjei Ayeh questions effectiveness of World Cup Committee after Partey’s visa setback
    2. Joy Online

      Member of Parliament for Bosome Freho, Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh, has called on the government to intensify diplomatic efforts aimed at securing Thomas Partey’s entry into Canada ahead of Ghana’s crucial encounter against Panama.

      Use diplomatic channels to secure Partey’s entry into Canada – Asafo-Adjei Ayeh to gov’t
    3. Joy Online

      The Arsenal star is expected to miss Ghana’s Group L fixture against Panama in Toronto on June 17 after Canadian authorities reportedly declined his visa application.

      Gov’t should have foreseen Partey’s visa challenge – Bosome Freho MP
    4. Joy Online

      His comments follow the denial of a Canadian visa to the Black Stars midfielder, a development that is expected to rule him out of Ghana’s Group L World Cup qualifier against Panama in Toronto on June 17.

      Government failed in diplomatic engagements over Partey’s visa issue – Bosome Freho MP
  7. Joy Online

    The sudden and dramatic decision by Canadian authorities to deny entry to Ghana’s star midfielder, Thomas Partey, ahead of the national team’s opening FIFA World Cup fixture against Panama on Wednesday, June 17, has sparked significant legal, diplomatic, and sporting controversy.

    The Thomas Partey Case: Presumption of innocence, sovereignty and the World Cup
  8. Joy Online

    The development means the 33-year-old will play no part in Ghana’s World Cup Group L opener against Panama at Toronto’s BMO Field on 17 June.

    2026 World Cup: Sports Ministry demands FIFA intervention over Partey’s visa denial

Today

  1. Black Stars depart Rhode Island for Toronto before Panama match

    Ghana's national football team is leaving Rhode Island for Toronto on Monday to prepare for its opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17 at BMO Field, with a final training session scheduled for Tuesday.

    7 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. FIFA, Uruguay clash over World Cup travel delay in Miami

    Uruguay's national team experienced a travel delay from Cancun to Miami on the eve of their World Cup 2026 match against Saudi Arabia due to an airline permitting error. FIFA blamed the airline for paperwork issues preventing the aircraft's clearance to fly, while the Uruguayan FA blamed FIFA for the disruption.

    8 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. Southgate declines World Cup pundit role to avoid distracting England

    Former England manager Gareth Southgate says he turned down work as a World Cup pundit because he did not think it would be "helpful" to the national team's chances. Southgate, who resigned after England lost the Euro 2024 final to Spain, said he wanted to "keep out of the way" to avoid any misconstrued comments being thrown at the team at press conferences.

    11 hours ago · Joy Online

Yesterday

  1. Asantehene to attend Ghana's World Cup fan festival in Toronto

    Tribe Culturefest will stage a FIFA World Cup 2026 fan activation at Toronto's Sankofa Square as Ghana prepares to face Panama on 17 June, featuring cultural performances, exhibitions, food and interactive activities. The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, will attend to reflect cultural diplomacy and Ghana-Canada relations.

    18 hours ago · Joy Online

  2. MP criticizes World Cup Committee after Partey visa denial

    Bosome Freho MP Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh questioned Ghana's World Cup planning structures following Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey's visa denial by Canadian authorities ahead of the Black Stars' Panama fixture. He argued the World Cup Committee should have conducted earlier risk assessment and diplomatic engagement to avoid such disruptions.

    23 hours ago · Joy Online

  3. MP urges diplomatic push to secure Partey's Canada visa

    Member of Parliament Nana Asafo-Adjei Ayeh has called on the government to intensify diplomatic efforts to secure Thomas Partey's entry into Canada, after the Black Stars deputy captain was denied a temporary residence visa by Canadian authorities ahead of Ghana's Group L match against Panama on June 17. He argued that the Foreign Affairs Ministry should deploy every available diplomatic avenue to assist the midfielder.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Gov't should have anticipated Partey visa denial, says MP

    The Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee has criticized the handling of Thomas Partey's travel arrangements, arguing that authorities should have foreseen potential visa challenges. Partey is expected to miss Ghana's Copa América match against Panama after Canadian authorities declined his visa application.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. MP blames Ghana's diplomacy failure over Partey visa denial

    The MP for Bosome Freho said Ghana failed in diplomatic engagements over Thomas Partey's Canadian visa denial, which will prevent the Black Stars midfielder from playing in the World Cup qualifier against Panama in Toronto on June 17. He argued the country had sufficient warning signs and capacity to engage relevant authorities earlier and called for stronger collaboration between sporting bodies and foreign policy institutions.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Thomas Partey denied Canada entry before World Cup match

    Canadian authorities denied entry to Ghana's midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the national team's World Cup match against Panama, sparking legal and diplomatic controversy. Ghana's government and football association have protested, arguing the exclusion of an unconvicted athlete violates the Rule of Law, while Canada has cited privacy protocols and FIFA has deferred to Canada's border sovereignty.

    14 June 2026 · Joy Online

Saturday 13 June

  1. Ghana's Sports Ministry seeks FIFA help over Partey's visa denial

    Ghana's Ministry of Sports and Recreation has called on FIFA to intervene after midfielder Thomas Partey was denied entry into Canada, making him unavailable for Ghana's World Cup Group L opener against Panama on 17 June. The Ministry argues that all qualified nations should have access to their eligible players throughout the competition.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana protests Canada's denial of Partey World Cup visa

    Ghana's government has formally protested Canada's refusal to grant midfielder Thomas Teye Partey entry for the nation's opening World Cup match against Panama, citing pending criminal proceedings in the UK. Ghana has characterized the decision as "high-handed and extremely unfair" and is pursuing diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to overturn it.

    13 June 2026 · The Chronicle

  3. Ghana protests Canada's denial of visa to footballer Partey

    Ghana's Foreign Ministry formally protested Canada's refusal of a temporary residence visa to Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey, calling the decision unfair and inconsistent with the presumption of innocence, as it was based on ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom with no conviction. The government has initiated diplomatic engagements with Canadian authorities to seek a review of the decision.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Sports minister says Black Stars will overcome Partey visa setback

    Kofi Adams, Ghana's Sports Minister, has expressed confidence that the Black Stars will overcome Thomas Partey's visa denial and channel the disappointment into stronger performance in their FIFA World Cup opener against Panama on June 17. Adams said the camp mood remains positive despite uncertainty surrounding Partey's availability, with the development serving as additional motivation for players.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Thomas Partey granted US visa, currently in Boston with Ghana squad

    Sports Minister Kofi Adams says midfielder Thomas Partey successfully secured a United States visa after applying in London and is currently with Ghana's national team at its World Cup training camp in Boston. Adams questioned Canada's refusal to grant Partey entry for Ghana's opening World Cup match against Panama, noting the player continues to travel freely across Europe and other jurisdictions despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Ghana Sports Minister criticizes FIFA over Partey visa denial

    Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Adams has criticized FIFA's handling of Canada's decision to deny Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for Ghana's 2026 World Cup opening match, arguing that FIFA failed to adequately protect participating nations and their players and should have ensured clearance for World Cup participants.

    13 June 2026 · Joy Online

Friday 12 June

  1. Ghana protests Canada's visa denial for Partey ahead World Cup

    Ghana's Sports Minister Kofi Adams has strongly criticised Canada's decision to deny midfielder Thomas Partey a visa for Ghana's 2026 FIFA World Cup Group H match against Panama on June 17, calling the move unfair and an overreaction that violates the principle of presumption of innocence. Ghana has formally protested the visa refusal.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  2. Ghana loses Partey to visa denial for World Cup opener

    FIFA confirmed that midfielder Thomas Partey will be unable to travel to Canada for Ghana's opening World Cup match against Panama on June 17 after Canadian authorities rejected his visa application. FIFA stated it has no role in immigration decisions, which remain the sole jurisdiction of host governments.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  3. Jordan Ayew urges Ghanaians to pray for World Cup campaign

    Black Stars captain Jordan Ayew has urged Ghanaians to support the team as Ghana prepares for three group-stage matches against Panama, England, and Croatia at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ayew said the squad is motivated to make the nation proud despite acknowledging the challenge ahead.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  4. Black Stars arrive in Providence for final World Cup preparations

    Ghana's national football team has arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, for the final phase of preparation ahead of their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with Head Coach Carlos Queiroz's squad set to resume training on Friday before their opening Group L match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  5. Ghana seeks Canadian visa review for midfielder Thomas Partey

    Ghana is seeking a review of Canada's denial of a visa to Villarreal midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the Black Stars' opening World Cup match against Panama in Toronto. Sports Minister Kofi Adams says the government has engaged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to challenge the decision, while Partey remains eligible for Ghana's other group matches.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  6. Thomas Partey denied Canadian visa, misses Ghana's World Cup opener

    Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama on June 17 in Canada after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. FIFA confirmed Partey cannot travel from Ghana's base camp in Boston, noting that host governments ultimately determine visa adjudication independently.

    12 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  7. Ghana midfielder Partey denied entry to Canada for World Cup

    Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana's opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto after Canadian authorities refused his visa application. Partey has been charged with offenses in the UK but has not been convicted; Canadian immigration rules exclude those convicted of crimes, though FIFA states it has no role in host countries' visa decisions.

    12 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  8. Canadian law allows entry denial based on charges alone

    Thomas Partey's refusal of entry to Canada highlights Section 36 of Canada's Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, which can bar people facing criminal charges—even without conviction—if the conduct allegedly occurred outside Canada. For domestic matters, a conviction is required; for foreign conduct, officers need only "reasonable grounds to believe" criminal activity occurred.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  9. Thomas Partey denied Canada entry for Ghana's World Cup opener

    Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and will miss Ghana's World Cup tournament opener against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, though he may be eligible to play in subsequent group matches in the United States. Partey, who faces multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK, was included in Ghana's squad but cannot travel to Canada after his visa application was refused by the Canadian government.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  10. Thomas Partey barred from Canada, misses Ghana's World Cup opener

    Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has been denied entry to Canada and will miss Ghana's World Cup match against Panama on June 17 in Toronto; his visa application was refused by the Canadian government. Partey, facing multiple rape and sexual assault charges in the UK to which he has pleaded not guilty, remains eligible to play in Ghana's subsequent matches in the United States.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  11. Black Stars arrive in Providence for 2026 World Cup preparations

    Ghana's national football team arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, to continue final preparations for their 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign, with Head Coach Carlos Queiroz's squad set to face Panama, England, and Croatia in Group L.

    12 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  12. Black Stars goalkeeper Ati-Zigi says team ready for World Cup

    Ghana goalkeeper Lawrence Ati-Zigi has declared the Black Stars are ready and focused ahead of their first group match against Panama on June 16 at the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Ati-Zigi, who is set to represent Ghana at his second successive World Cup, praised the team's unity and new coach Carlos Queiroz's experience.

    12 June 2026 · The Ghanaian Times

  13. Herbert Mensah urges national unity behind Black Stars

    Rugby Africa President Herbert Mensah has called on Ghanaians to unite behind the Black Stars as they prepare for the FIFA World Cup, stating the team represents the nation's aspirations and deserves unwavering support. Mensah urged focus on encouraging players rather than criticism, and emphasized that success will depend on team unity and the squad's ability to work together effectively.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  14. Black Stars move to Rhode Island for World Cup preparations

    Ghana's national football team arrived in Providence, Rhode Island, to finalize preparations for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, where they will open Group L play against Panama on June 17 in Toronto, followed by matches against England and Croatia.

    12 June 2026 · Joy Online

  15. Achimota Retail Centre plans immersive World Cup viewing experience

    Achimota Retail Centre is launching a campaign called "ARC is the Stadium" to transform the shopping centre into a viewing venue for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, featuring match-day entertainment, special promotions, prizes and branded merchandise throughout the tournament's 39 days.

    12 June 2026 · Business & Financial Times

Panama — Ghanaian press coverage · Ghana Minute