NPP communicator Awal Mohammed has criticised the handling of efforts to secure a Canadian visa for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey after attempts to overturn the decision proved unsuccessful.
Reacting to the development, Awal argued that Ghana should have relied on quiet diplomatic engagement rather than public statements and court action.
According to him, Bosome Freho MP and Deputy Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Nana Asafo-Adjei, had earlier advised against turning the matter into a public dispute.
“He argued that a loud public spectacle would only worsen the situation. Instead, he recommended quiet, state-to-state negotiations as the only realistic way to secure an immigration waiver,” Awal said.
He claimed those recommendations were not followed and that authorities chose a different path.
“Unfortunately, his warnings were completely ignored,” he stated in a post on Facebook.
Awal further criticised the decision to pursue legal action in Canada, describing it as a strategy that did not produce the desired outcome.
“In a highly publicised move, Ghana hired Canadian lawyers to file an emergency injunction in the Canadian Federal Court to force immigration officials to let him in. This legal gamble failed,” he said.
According to him, the approach may have hardened Canada’s position on the matter.
“Because the GFA and the Ministry chose a loud court battle over quiet diplomacy, Canada doubled down, and Ghana lost the case,” he argued.
The NPP communicator said the outcome means Ghana will be without one of its most experienced players for the opening World Cup match against Panama.
“Now, our star midfielder and most experienced player is barred from entering Canada, forcing him to miss the crucial opening match against Panama,” he said.
Despite his criticism of the handling of the issue, Awal expressed confidence in the national team ahead of the game.
“We will win tonight, Insha’Allah. Go Black Stars Go,” he added.
