The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the Government of Ghana has commenced high-level diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently held as a prisoner of war (POW).
The individual, whose identity has been verified but withheld for security reasons, was captured by Ukrainian forces following his involvement in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. This development has triggered an intensive diplomatic rescue mission, with the Foreign Ministry prioritizing the safety and repatriation of the citizen.
“Evidence made available indicates that the Ghanaian arrived in 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 of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division. He subsequently participated in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia direction”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
According to the Minister, the Ukrainian Government subsequently notified Ghanaian authorities of his arrest, providing identification details that have since been authenticated by the Ministry.
In a swift response to the notification, Hon. Ablakwa held a critical meeting with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk. During the deliberations, the Minister formally appealed for the release of the captive to the Ghanaian authorities.
To further bolster these efforts, “a special message,” has been dispatched to the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, outlining Ghana’s position and requesting a humanitarian approach to the case.
“I am also scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue with negotiations for his release. Ghana has objected to the potential of our national being added to a prisoners of war exchange between Ukraine and Russia considering that could make him even more vulnerable”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The Minister emphasized that Ghana’s primary concern is preventing the citizen from being treated as a standard pawn in the ongoing prisoner swaps between the two warring nations.
He noted that inclusion in such an exchange could lead to the individual being returned to Russian custody, thereby perpetuating his involvement in the conflict and increasing his physical vulnerability. The Ghanaian government is instead leveraging its cordial relations with Ukraine and its long-standing advocacy for a peaceful cessation of the war to negotiate a direct release.
Dark Web Recruitment
Beyond the immediate diplomatic crisis, the Foreign Minister used the announcement to issue a stern warning to the Ghanaian youth regarding the dangers of international mercenary recruitment.
He highlighted the existence of clandestine networks that utilize the dark web and other deceptive human trafficking methods to lure unsuspecting young men into foreign military service. These criminal syndicates often promise financial rewards that mask the lethal reality of active combat zones.
“Please do not fall prey. It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict, you can be killed or captured. The Mahama administration will keep prioritizing the welfare of all Ghanaians and ensuring that no one is left in harm’s way”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
The Minister reiterated that getting involved in foreign conflicts is not only a life-threatening gamble, but a venture that undermines national security and personal safety.
The upcoming visit to Ukraine by the Foreign Minister is expected to be a decisive moment in the negotiations, as Ghana seeks a resolution that respects international law and humanitarian principles.
“We are hopeful that our intense diplomatic efforts would yield the expected results, particularly, leveraging our cordial relations, and Ghana’s strong advocacy for peace and a cessation of the conflict”
Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration
As the situation evolves, the Hon. Ablakwa has pledged to provide regular updates to the public while maintaining the necessary confidentiality required for sensitive international negotiations. The focus remains on a successful repatriation that serves as a deterrent to others considering similar paths.
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