Details

Published June 16, 2026

Ghananwesnet.com

‎
‎Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal against the denial of a visa to enter the country.
‎
‎The decision comes despite efforts by the Government of Ghana to secure the player’s entry through diplomatic channels following an earlier refusal of his Temporary Resident Visa application by Canadian authorities.
‎
‎
‎Partey was denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he faces multiple rape charges. Canadian immigration authorities cited the case in refusing his visa application.
‎
‎The Ghanaian government subsequently mounted a diplomatic effort to reverse the decision, arguing that the midfielder had not been convicted of any offence and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
‎
‎Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had disclosed that Ghana was actively engaging Canadian authorities to find a solution ahead of the Black Stars’ opening Group Stage match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
‎
‎However, the latest ruling means Partey will remain unavailable for selection unless there is a further legal or administrative breakthrough.
‎
‎His absence is expected to be a major setback for Ghana’s World Cup campaign, given his importance to the national team and his role as one of the Black Stars’ most experienced players.
‎
‎The midfielder was expected to play a key role in Ghana’s quest to progress beyond the group stage, with many supporters hoping diplomatic efforts would secure his participation in the tournament.
‎
‎
‎
‎Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey will miss Ghana’s opening match at the 2026 FIFA World Cup after a Canadian court dismissed his appeal against the denial of a visa to enter the country.
‎
‎The decision comes despite efforts by the Government of Ghana to secure the player’s entry through diplomatic channels following an earlier refusal of his Temporary Resident Visa application by Canadian authorities.
‎
‎
‎Partey was denied entry into Canada due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom, where he faces multiple rape charges. Canadian immigration authorities cited the case in refusing his visa application.
‎
‎The Ghanaian government subsequently mounted a diplomatic effort to reverse the decision, arguing that the midfielder had not been convicted of any offence and should be presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of law.
‎
‎Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa had disclosed that Ghana was actively engaging Canadian authorities to find a solution ahead of the Black Stars’ opening Group Stage match against Panama on Wednesday, June 17.
‎
‎However, the latest ruling means Partey will remain unavailable for selection unless there is a further legal or administrative breakthrough.
‎
‎His absence is expected to be a major setback for Ghana’s World Cup campaign, given his importance to the national team and his role as one of the Black Stars’ most experienced players.
‎
‎The midfielder was expected to play a key role in Ghana’s quest to progress beyond the group stage, with many supporters hoping diplomatic efforts would secure his participation in the tournament.
‎
‎

Details

Published June 16, 2026

Published at 8:54 PM

Story by Saibu Terry
‎
‎President John Dramani Mahama has officially inaugurated the Ghana National Research Fund (GNRF), marking the fulfillment of a key manifesto commitment aimed at strengthening research, innovation, and national development.

‎
‎The launch of the GNRF represents a significant step in Ghana’s efforts to build a knowledge-driven economy. Beyond serving as a source of funding for academic research, the Fund is designed as a strategic national instrument to promote productivity, industrialization, innovation, and sustainable development across various sectors of the economy.

‎
‎The Fund will support research initiatives that address national priorities, enhance scientific capacity, and generate practical solutions to developmental challenges. Through these efforts, the GNR is expected to contribute substantially to Ghana’s socio-economic transformation and long-term competitiveness

‎
‎To ensure the Fund’s effective and sustained operation, the Government of Ghana, through the Ghana Education Trust Fund (GETFund), has committed an initial seed capital of GH¢100 million.

‎
‎Speaking on the milestone, Education Minister Haruna Iddrisu expressed appreciation to President Mahama for his leadership and commitment to advancing research and innovation in Ghana.

‎
‎The Ministry of Education and the Ghana National Research Fund noted that the President’s support has been instrumental in turning the vision of a dedicated national research fund into reality, creating new opportunities for researchers, institutions, and innovators to contribute to national development.

‎
‎The inauguration of the GNRF is expected to strengthen Ghana’s research ecosystem and accelerate the country’s pursuit of sustainable economic growth through science, technology, and innovation.

Details

Published 16 June 2026

Published at: 8:14PM

Story by Saibu Terry

‎
‎
‎Vice President Professor Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang has reaffirmed the government’s unwavering support for the Ghana Black Stars ahead of their opening match against Panama, urging the national team to represent the country with determination, discipline, and excellence.

‎
‎The Vice President made this known after leading a high-powered delegation to visit the Black Stars at their training camp as preparations intensify for the crucial tournament opener.
‎
‎The delegation included representatives of His Majesty Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, led by Daasebre Otuo Siriboe II, officials from Ghana’s High Commission headed by Her Excellency Professor Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, as well as executives of the Ghana Football Association (GFA) led by President Kurt Edwin Simeon-Okraku.

‎
‎During the visit, the delegation interacted with the players and members of the technical team, conveying messages of encouragement and solidarity from the government and people of Ghana.

‎
‎Sharing details of the engagement on her official Facebook page, Prof. Opoku-Agyemang emphasized that Ghanaians across the country are united behind the national team and remain confident in their ability to make the nation proud on the international stage.

‎
‎”Ghanaians from every region, community, and household are rallying behind the Ghana Black Stars, confident that they will represent the country with determination, discipline, and excellence,” she stated.
‎
‎The Vice President also conveyed the goodwill message of President John Dramani Mahama, assuring the team of the government’s full support throughout the competition.

‎
‎”On behalf of His Excellency President John Dramani Mahama, the Government and the people of Ghana, I wish the team and technical staff every success at the tournament,” she added.
‎
‎The visit comes at a crucial moment as the Black Stars seek a strong start to their campaign against Panama. Expectations remain high among football fans back home, with many hoping the team can deliver a memorable performance and restore pride to Ghanaian football.

‎
‎The Black Stars are expected to take to the field against Panama in their opening fixture, carrying the hopes and aspirations of millions of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.