At least 55 Ghanaians have died fighting in the Ukraine conflict, and two others are being held as prisoners of war, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed during talks in Kyiv with Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
According to Ukrainian intelligence, 272 Ghanaians have been recruited since 2022 through transnational criminal networks. Broader data shows 1,780 Africans from 36 countries have been similarly lured into the conflict.
“These are not mere statistics; they are Ghanaian lives cut short, and families shattered,” Ablakwa said on social media. He emphasized that Ghana must act to prevent its youth from being exploited in a war that is not theirs.
The minister announced intensified domestic action, including public education campaigns and measures to dismantle illegal recruitment schemes, including those operating online and on the dark web.
During the visit, Ghanaian officials laid flowers at Kyiv’s Wall of Remembrance to honor victims and discussed strengthening bilateral cooperation to combat human trafficking. The two captured Ghanaians, who were granted consular access, warned others against being lured by promises of financial reward, highlighting the grave dangers on the battlefield.
Ablakwa stressed ongoing efforts to protect vulnerable youth and prevent further loss of Ghanaian lives.
