'He's kept his head high' - Ibrahim Sannie Daara backs Thomas Partey amid visa ordeal

Former Ghana Football Association Communications Director Ibrahim Sannie Daara has praised Thomas Partey for remaining focused and continuing to lead the Black Stars despite the uncertainty surrounding his World Cup visa situation.

Partey was left behind in the United States after Canada denied him entry for Ghana's opening Group L match against Panama, with the Ghanaian government continuing diplomatic and legal efforts to overturn the decision.

Speaking in an interview with Kafui Dey, Daara acknowledged the emotional toll the situation is likely to have taken on the Arsenal midfielder.

"Naturally, as a human being, the allegations against him are really, really serious, and somehow they have subdued him," Daara said.

Despite the off-field challenges, Daara said Partey has remained committed to the national team and has continued to demonstrate leadership within the Black Stars camp.

"Despite all the things people have written in the press, sometimes vile messages on social media, he's kept his head high. He's continued."

Daara revealed that Partey has remained fully engaged with the squad throughout Ghana's preparations for the World Cup.

"I'm happy to see that even in the face of all these things, he's keeping his head high. He's training with the team. He's joining the captain of the team, Jordan, as the leaders of the team together and are leading the boys."

The former GFA communications director also expressed hope that the allegations against the midfielder would ultimately prove to be unfounded.

"I pray that all those allegations made against him are untrue."

Partey has denied all the charges against him through his legal representatives, and the criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom remain ongoing.

The Ghanaian government continues to seek a reversal of Canada's visa decision, with diplomatic discussions and legal proceedings aimed at making the midfielder available for the Black Stars' World Cup campaign.