“Innocent until proven otherwise’ – NSA boss rallies nation behind Thomas Partey amid foreign smear campaign

The Director General of Ghana’s National Sports Authority (NSA), Yaw Ampofo Ankrah, has issued a stirring call for national unity and restraint, urging Ghanaians to throw their full weight behind Black Stars midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of a highly anticipated international clash.

In a statement released on Saturday, Ankrah addressed the swirling controversy surrounding the Arsenal star, emphatically stating that Partey is innocent until proven otherwise. The powerful message comes in response to suggestions emerging from certain foreign media outlets that England players may refuse to shake hands with Partey when the two nations meet on the pitch—a move that has sparked tension in the Ghanaian camp.

Foreign Media “No-Shake” Claims Dismissed as Tactical Distraction

The NSA boss did not mince words regarding the narrative being peddled by international press portals. He labeled the suggestion of an England player boycott of the pre-match handshake as a distraction that Ghana must ignore entirely.

“The suggestion by some foreign media portals that England players might refuse to shake hands when the two teams meet, should be ignored,” Ankrah stated. “Focus is key.”

The statement implies that the national team’s preparation and tactics are being undermined by off-field controversies manufactured abroad, intended to unsettle one of Ghana’s most influential players.

GFA & Government Urged to Protect Player Welfare

Ankrah’s comments serve as a directive to the Ghana Football Association (GFA) and sports stakeholders to shield Partey from psychological warfare. The Director General stressed that Partey remains a vital asset to the Black Stars and deserves the unequivocal support of the nation, regardless of the swirling allegations that have yet to be substantiated in any court of law.

“Thomas Partey needs our full support,” the statement read. The NSA chief’s language suggests a coordinated effort to ensure the player does not feel isolated or victimized by what is perceived as a hostile international media environment.

Call for Unity on the Pitch

With kickoff approaching, Ankrah is steering the conversation back to football. He warned fans against reacting emotionally to media provocations, insisting that Ghana’s strength lies in focusing on the game.

This high-level backing from the government’s sports authority sends a clear message to the international community: Ghana stands behind its players, and any attempts to leverage media reports to undermine the team’s morale will be met with official pushback.

For now, the Black Stars are expected to take the field with full focus, ignoring the noise, as Thomas Partey looks to silence his critics with his boots rather than a handshake.