Nana Asafo Adjei Ayeh, the Deputy Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, has urged the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to intensify diplomatic talks with Canada to secure a visa for Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of Ghana's upcoming match against Panama.

Speaking on Citi FM’s News Digest on Saturday, June 13, Ayeh emphasized that Ghana needs to focus on direct diplomatic engagement rather than public statements.

"We need Thomas Partey in Canada, not press releases," he stated, urging the ministry to utilise its diplomatic channels to resolve the matter.

Ayeh warned that Partey's absence could negatively impact Ghana's chances in the tournament, noting that defeating Panama is critical for progressing from a group that also includes England and Croatia.

The MP's comments follow a formal protest by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs against Canada's decision to deny Partey a temporary residence visa.

The ministry labeled the refusal "high-handed and extremely unfair," noting that the decision is tied to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK that have not resulted in a conviction or any finding of guilt.

The Ghanaian government has stated it will continue pursuing diplomatic and legal avenues to secure a review of the decision before the opening group match on June 17.