The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has disclosed that about 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war since 2022.
According to him, some Ghanaian youth were lured through deceptive employment schemes and subsequently deployed to participate in the conflict.
Addressing journalists on Monday, July 27, after the evacuation of 150 Ghanaians from South Africa, Mr Ablakwa said information gathered during his visit to Kyiv indicated that several Ghanaians had been affected by the war.
He added that an estimated 55 Ghanaians have been reported dead, while two others are being held as prisoners of war.
“The Government of Ghana is seriously worried about the reports of Ghanaian youth who are lured through deceptive employment schemes and subsequently deployed to participate in the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia.
“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.
Mr Ablakwa said the government was engaging relevant authorities to secure the release of the two Ghanaian nationals, 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.
