President of the Ghana Football Association, Kurt Okraku, says Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey remains mentally strong and ready to represent the country at the 2026 FIFA World Cup despite ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.

Speaking on Accra-based Asaase Radio, Okraku stressed that the Black Stars deputy captain continues to receive full backing from the FA. He dismissed suggestions circulating in sections of the media that the player is struggling mentally, insisting Partey remains focused and resilient during what he described as a challenging period.

Okraku reaffirmed the association’s unwavering support, expressing confidence that the midfielder will be prepared to feature for Ghana at the World Cup in North America.
This is not the first time the GFA has publicly defended the former Arsenal star.

The association also responded to remarks by Villarreal CF head coach Marcelino García Toral, who questioned Partey’s recent performances following the club’s Champions League defeat to Bayer Leverkusen in February 2026.

Marcelino suggested the midfielder had struggled to adapt and was not performing at the expected level. However, GFA Communications Director Henry Asante Twum rejected that assessment, describing Partey as one of Ghana’s finest players and insisting that one difficult spell does not define his quality.

Legal Proceedings

Partey is currently facing multiple criminal charges in the UK. On February 12, 2026, the Crown Prosecution Service confirmed additional rape charges following further investigations by the Metropolitan Police.

He has appeared before Westminster Magistrates’ Court in relation to the case and is accused of sexual offences involving several women. The allegations relate to incidents said to have occurred between 2020 and 2022.

Partey has denied all allegations through his legal representatives, who maintain his innocence as the judicial process continues.

Despite the ongoing case, the GFA leadership maintains that the midfielder has their full support and remains an important figure for Ghana ahead of the 2026 World Cup.