Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that at least 272 Ghanaians have reportedly been lured into fighting in the war against Ukraine since 2022, with an estimated 55 killed and two captured as prisoners of war.
The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed the figures following bilateral engagements in Kyiv with Andrii Sybiha, where Ukrainian authorities shared intelligence on the recruitment of Africans into the conflict.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, Ukrainian officials have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who were allegedly recruited by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine.
Speaking after laying flowers at the Wall of Remembrance alongside his Ukrainian counterpart, the minister described the statistics as “heartbreaking” and “frightening,” stressing that the government cannot ignore the implications for Ghanaian families.
“These are not just numbers; they represent human lives and the hopes of many Ghanaian families and our nation,” he stated.
Mr. Ablakwa said the government would intensify public education campaigns to warn young people about the dangers of illegal recruitment schemes. He added that authorities are committed to tracking and dismantling dark web networks operating within Ghana’s jurisdiction that allegedly facilitate such activities.
“This is not our war, and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” he said.
The minister further disclosed that the two captured Ghanaians cautioned young people against being enticed by financial incentives to join the conflict, describing the risks as grave.
The visit to Kyiv, he noted, also focused on strengthening bilateral relations between Ghana and Ukraine, with both sides reporting progress in diplomatic engagements.
Source: www.kumasimail.com
