The Ghanaian government has raised concerns over the alleged recruitment of hundreds of its citizens into the Russia-Ukraine war, with at least 55 Ghanaians reportedly losing their lives since the conflict began.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that approximately 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the conflict since 2022.
According to the Minister, some of the young Ghanaians were allegedly deceived through false employment opportunities before being deployed to participate in the war.
Mr Ablakwa made the disclosure on Monday, July 27, after the evacuation of 150 Ghanaians from South Africa.
He said information gathered during his recent visit to Kyiv revealed the extent to which Ghanaian nationals had reportedly been drawn into the conflict.
“Information received during my visit to Kyiv indicates that approximately about 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the conflict since 2022. An estimated 55 are reported dead,” he said.
The Minister also disclosed that two Ghanaian nationals are currently being held as prisoners of war.
He said the government was engaging the relevant authorities to secure their release, adding that negotiations were progressing positively.
“Two are held as prisoners of war, whom we continue to negotiate their release, and the talks are proving positive. We are optimistic about the outcome,” he stated.
The government has expressed serious concern over the alleged use of deceptive employment schemes to lure Ghanaian youth into the conflict and is continuing efforts to establish the circumstances surrounding the recruitment of affected nationals.
