Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, has responded to Ghana’s concerns over a Ghanaian citizen who was captured in a combat zone while allegedly fighting as a Russian mercenary.
In a statement posted on X, Mr Sybiha said Ukraine had taken note of Ghana’s request for the return of the Ghanaian national. The request was made by Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
He reaffirmed his invitation to Mr Ablakwa to visit Ukraine in February 2026 to further discuss the matter. Mr Sybiha also assured that Ghanaian diplomats would be granted access to prisoners of war upon request.
According to him, such access would be provided in line with international humanitarian law, and Ukraine is ready to engage Ghana in detailed discussions on the issue.
Mr Sybiha added that Ukraine looks forward to engaging with Ghana in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect as efforts continue to resolve the matter.
His response follows a Facebook post by Mr Ablakwa on Saturday, 3 January 2026, in which he said the Government of Ghana had begun diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national, whose name has been withheld, currently being held as a prisoner of war.
