By Sarah Baafi
Ghana has launched diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently held as a prisoner of war. The Foreign Affairs Ministry says the Ukrainian government notified Ghana of the arrest and provided details which have now been verified.
Records indicate the Ghanaian arrived in Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment. He later participated in combat operations in Ukraine’s Zaporizhzhia region. The ministry has objected to his inclusion in any prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, saying it could expose him to further danger.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa met the Acting Ukrainian Ambassador to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, yesterday to formally appeal for the citizen’s release. A special diplomatic message has been sent to Kyiv, and the minister is scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations.
Mr Ablakwa expressed optimism that Ghana’s strong ties with Ukraine and its advocacy for peace will help secure his return. Says the Mahama administration remains committed to prioritising the welfare of all Ghanaians abroad.
He used the opportunity to warn Ghanaian youth against falling prey to criminal recruitment networks and human traffickers who lure people into foreign conflicts through clandestine operations, often via the dark web. He stressed that involvement in such wars is extremely dangerous, with the risk of death or capture.
