Contrary to reports Black Stars assistant captain, Thomas Partey, had been expelled from camp ahead of friendly against Morocco, the Ghana Football Association says the Arsenal midfielder sought permission.

In the early hours of Monday, many outlets in the local media led with reports that head coach of the Black Stars, Charles Akonnor, had expelled midfielder Thomas Partey from the camp of the Black Stars.

Joy Sports had earlier reported that sources from within the team who travelled to Morocco falsified such reports, indicating that the Arsenal midfielder was not axed from the list of players to make the trip to Morocco.

The GFA through a statement have confirmed this story.

“Thomas travelled to Cape Coast on Thursday to meet Coach Charles Akonnor over some personal issues. After the meeting which lasted for about an hour, the Coach excused him from the trip to Morocco – and asked him to report to camp for the second game against Ivory Coast. As the 1st Deputy Captain of the Black Stars, Thomas later joined his colleagues in training to show solidarity and support before leaving for Accra. The Arsenal midfielder will therefore team up with the rest of the squad on Thursday when the team returns from Morocco.”

The GFA said on its website.

Tariqe Fosu-Henry joined camp late and was advised by Akonnor to rather join the team on Thursday for the game against Ivory Coast.

Kamaldeen Suleyman, Kamal Sowah and Joseph Paintsil turned down the invitation providing reasons that confirm that they are not ready for the games.

Frank Acheampong laid his late mother to rest over the weekend and couldn’t make time to join the team for the matches.

Mubarak Wakaso couldn’t make the trip due to COVID-19 complications as he would be required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine upon his return from Accra.

Richard Ofori is still recovering from a groin injury.

Aside the aforementioned developments, the team has safely arrived in Rabat for Tuesday’s game against Morocco. Twenty five (25) players including captain Andre Ayew made the trip to the North African country.

The Black Stars will face the Atlas of Morocco in a friendly on June 8, before playing the Elephants of Ivory Coast in another international friendly.