Ghana Engages in Diplomatic Talks With Ukraine To Save a Ghanaian Kept as a Prisoner of War
- Ghana has initiated diplomatic talks with Ukraine for the release of a detained Ghanaian national as a prisoner of war
- Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa expresses optimism in negotiations, plans to travel to Ukraine for further discussions
- Youth in Ghana warned against risky recruitment agencies amidst the ongoing conflict and its dangers
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Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, said Ghana has started a high-level diplomatic engagement with Ukraine to seek the release of a Ghanaian national who has been detained as a prisoner of war in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Source: Facebook
In a post on social media, the Minister said the diplomatic talks began after the Ukrainian government notified Ghana of the arrest of a Ghanaian. Afterwards, the Ghanaian government verified the person's identity and started the process to get him released.
"Ghana has commenced diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine aimed at securing the release of a Ghanaian national (name withheld) who is being held by the Ukrainians as a prisoner of war."
"Evidence made available indicates that the Ghanaian arrived in Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where records show he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorised Rifle Division. He subsequently participated in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia direction."
Okudzeto Ablakwa said he held a meeting with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, on Friday, January 2, 2026 and appealed for his release to Ghana.
"A special message has been sent to Kyiv. I am also scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue with negotiations for his release."
The Minister was optimistic that the intense diplomatic efforts would see to the release of the Ghanaian national.
"We are hopeful that our intense diplomatic efforts would yield the expected results, particularly, leveraging our cordial relations, and Ghana’s strong advocacy for peace and a cessation of the conflict."
Okudzeto Ablakwa appealed to young Ghanaians to be cautious of recruitment agencies who have ulterior motives.
"May I use this opportunity to passionately appeal to the youth of Ghana to be alert to the modus operandi of these criminal recruitment networks operating clandestinely and often 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."
Netizens react to Ghana-Ukraine diplomatic talks
YEN.com.gh collated some reactions to the post shared by Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on X. Read them below:
@_ghanaprince said:
"Taxpayers money shouldn’t be spent on a greedy & selfish citizen. He should be accountable for his consequences. I thought they were bragging on social media that they were getting paid. Our taxes should be used judiciously."
@AdrahG wrote:
"You are doing well my minister. God bless you, us, and our motherland."
@MusahShiraz1 said:
"Keep strengthening the ties."
@IiNasiru said:
"Thank you, sir. May the good Lord be with you."
@mirakuruh wrote:
"Let Russia deal with any cost involved in his release."
@thatsczylife said:
"Your good works for us as a people is making all of us extremely patriotic...we will do our part as citizens to make Ghana a great nation God bless you."
@NiiKpakpa74313 wrote:
"Look, this should be none of our business. He is a soldier of fortune. I think you are becoming too egocentric with foreign affairs issues of late.Chill a bit."
Source: YEN.com.gh
