A total of 272 Ghanaian citizens have been enticed into the conflict since 2022, with two individuals subsequently taken captive.
According to Ghana’s foreign minister, a minimum of 55 Ghanaian nationals have perished while fighting for Russia in Ukraine. This figure represents one of the highest fatalities reported among various African nations whose citizens are involved in the ongoing conflict.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that 272 Ghanaians were drawn into the fighting since 2022, with two now held as prisoners of war, based on intelligence provided by Ukrainian authorities.
“Ukrainian authorities revealed that from their credible intelligence gathering (that) they have documented 1780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine,” Ablakwa commented during his visit to Ukraine.
Ghana now joins an increasing number of African countries that have voiced apprehension regarding their citizens’ participation in the conflict.
As the conflict continues, Ukrainians are seen awaiting assistance from aid organizations distributing food, blankets, and other vital supplies.
Numerous individuals were enlisted using deceptive tactics, including promises of well-paying employment or opportunities for skills development.
A recent intelligence briefing indicated that 1,000 Kenyans were enlisted to fight for Russia, having been deceived by untrue job offers.
The Kenyan government has reported that scores of its citizens have either sustained injuries or are currently unaccounted for.
Ukraine’s intelligence agency confirmed this month that two Nigerian citizens died late last year while engaged in combat for Russia.
Eleven South African citizens, reportedly enticed into fighting for Russia, landed at Durban airport on Wednesday.
South African police are currently investigating Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, daughter of former President Jacob Zuma, for her alleged role in persuading over a dozen South African men to travel to Russia.
“As a responsible government, we cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics,” Ablakwa stated.
“This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others.”
The minister indicated that the Ghanaian government plans to enhance public awareness campaigns and strive to “track and dismantle all dark web illegal recruitment schemes” functioning within the nation.
He further mentioned that the two Ghanaians taken captive had cautioned young individuals against succumbing to financial inducements to participate in the hostilities.
