BY ISSAH OLEGOR
The Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that an estimated 272 Ghanaians have been recruited into the Russia-Ukraine war since 2022, with about 55 reportedly killed and two others being held as prisoners of war.
The disclosure has heightened concerns about the alleged recruitment of Ghanaian nationals through deceptive employment schemes that ultimately involve them in the conflict.
Ablakwa said many of the affected Ghanaians were allegedly attracted by promises of employment, only to find themselves deployed in connection with the war subsequently.
Speaking to journalists on Monday, July 27, 2026, shortly after the evacuation of 150 Ghanaians from South Africa, the Foreign Minister said the government was seriously concerned about the development.
According to him, information about the estimated number of Ghanaians caught up in the conflict emerged during his recent official visit to Kyiv, Ukraine.
“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,” Ablakwa said.
He disclosed that information available to the government indicates that approximately 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the conflict since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine began in 2022.
“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 stated.
The figures, if confirmed, would represent a significant number of Ghanaian casualties connected to the conflict and have raised questions about the recruitment networks allegedly targeting young people with promises of overseas employment.
Beyond those reported dead, the Foreign Affairs Minister revealed that two Ghanaians are currently being held as prisoners of war.
According to Ablakwa, the government has initiated negotiations with the relevant authorities in an attempt to secure their release.
He described progress in the negotiations as encouraging and expressed optimism that the two Ghanaians could eventually regain their freedom.
“Two are held as prisoners of war, and we continue to negotiate their release; the talks are proving positive. We are optimistic about the outcome,” he said.
The latest revelations come amid growing international concerns about foreign nationals being recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict, sometimes following promises of employment or other economic opportunities.
