Ablakwa Meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, Appeals for Release of Ghanaian Prisoners of War
- Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa discussed releasing Ghanaian prisoners of war with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy
- A revelatory report detailed alarming recruitment schemes targeting vulnerable Africans being conscripted for Russia's conflict with Ukraine
- Zelenskyy invited President John Mahama to the European country to strengthen their diplomatic ties amid ongoing humanitarian discussions
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Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa held discussions with the President of Ukraine, Volodymyr Zelenskyy, over the release of two Ghanaians being held as prisoners of war.
The meeting took place on February 25, 2026, in Kyiv, the capital of the European country.
Source: Facebook
In a post on Facebook, Ablakwa said he spoke with Zelenskyy during the visit, which focused on Ghana’s humanitarian appeal for the safe return of its citizens.
The talks also addressed the challenge of criminal networks targeting vulnerable African youth, who are lured into conflict zones and risk their lives in ongoing hostilities.
Ablakwa expressed optimism about a successful outcome from the negotiations.
He added that he had conveyed the gratitude of President John Mahama and his government to Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of the detained citizens are respected under international law.
The discussions further explored ways to deepen bilateral relations, with strategic interventions planned in agriculture, defence, education and trade.
Zelenskyy further extended a formal invitation to Mahama as Kyiv seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties with Accra.
Ghana-Ukraine meeting amid deaths of Africans
This meeting came after a Swiss-based investigative group, INPACT, shared a list of Africans who have died fighting for Russia in its war on Ukraine.
Among this list are 55 Ghanaians, the second-highest foreign casualty figure after Cameroon, which has recorded 94 deaths.
The list, which has been shared on X, showed the names, dates of birth and ages of the Ghanaians reportedly killed in action for Russia's cause.
The investigative group stated that it has a list of 1,417 nationals from African countries who were fighting for Russia in its war on Ukraine.
According to the New York Times, Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, having annexed Crimea in 2014.
How is Russia getting African recruits?
For the recruitment tactics, INPACT identified the use of travel agencies operating as logistical intermediaries.
There has also been the involvement of local pro-Russian individuals and organisations, as well as recruitment networks based on co-optation, as former recruits become recruiters themselves.
The report noted that these schemes rely heavily on bogus job offers, promises of education or administrative regularisation, and irregular immigration channels.
Previous reports have found that Russia has been luring some people from Africa to fight for it in its war on Ukraine.
The Telegraph, for example, reported that some Africans are being lured by Russia to fight in its war with its neighbour via shampoo factory ads.
Source: Getty Images
At least one million Russian soldiers have been killed or wounded since the assault began, according to the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.
While the great majority of recruits are poor Russians, the need for new manpower has led the government to recruit elsewhere, as well as import 10,000 soldiers from North Korea.
Kenyan son tricked into fighting for Russia
YEN.com.gh reported that a Kenyan woman was concerned about the disappearance of her son, who reportedly travelled to Russia for work.
Jane Wangari Kibocho said that her son, Reuben, was promised employment but is believed to have been caught up in the war with Ukraine.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at YEN.com.gh.
Source: YEN.com.gh
