The Government of Ghana has officially commenced high-level diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian citizen currently detained as a prisoner of war. The individual, whose identity remains confidential, was captured after reportedly joining Russian military operations in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
According to verified information from Ukrainian authorities, the Ghanaian national arrived in Moscow on July 7, 2024, and subsequently signed a contract with the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment under the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division. He later participated in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia region.
In a decisive move, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, met with Ukraine’s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, to formally appeal for the detainee’s release. A special diplomatic message has also been dispatched to Kyiv, reinforcing Ghana’s commitment to a peaceful resolution.
“We are hopeful that our intense diplomatic efforts will yield the expected results, particularly by leveraging our cordial relations and Ghana’s strong advocacy for peace and a cessation of the conflict,” Hon. Ablakwa stated.
The Minister further revealed plans to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations in person. Ghana has strongly objected to the possibility of the national being included in a general prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, citing concerns for his safety and vulnerability.
Hon. Ablakwa used the occasion to issue a passionate warning to Ghanaian youth about the dangers of clandestine recruitment and human trafficking networks, often operating through the dark web.
“Please do not fall prey. It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict — you can be killed or captured,” he cautioned.
The Minister emphasized that the Mahama administration remains committed to safeguarding the welfare of all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad.
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