Ghana has begun diplomatic engagements with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national who is currently being held as a prisoner of war, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed.
According to the minister, the Ukrainian government officially notified Ghana of the arrest of the individual and provided identifying details, which the ministry had since verified.
Ablakwa disclosed that information made available to the government indicates the Ghanaian travelled to Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where records show he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment under the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division.
He later took part in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia region.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said he met with Ukraine’s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, to formally request the detainee’s release.
He added that a special diplomatic communication has also been sent to authorities in Kyiv.
“I am scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations for his release,” the minister for Foreign Affairs stated.
He noted that Ghana has formally objected to any attempt to include the detained national in a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such a move could place the individual at greater risk.
“We believe sustained diplomatic engagement, anchored on Ghana’s cordial relations and our consistent advocacy for peace and a cessation of hostilities, offers the best path toward a resolution,” the minister said.
Ablakwa also issued a caution to young people in Ghana, urging them to be vigilant against criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks that lure individuals into foreign conflicts.
“These networks often operate clandestinely, including through the dark web. It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict, you can be killed or captured,” he warned.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry says it will continue diplomatic efforts while monitoring developments surrounding the case.
Source :www.kumasimail.com
