Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that at least 55 Ghanaians have been killed fighting in the war in Russia-Ukraine war, with two others currently being held as prisoners of war.
According to Ablakwa, the figures were disclosed to him during high-level talks in Kyiv between Ghanaian officials and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.
He detailed that Ukrainian authorities have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine.
Ablakwa detailed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022, with an estimated 55 having been killed and 2 captured as prisoners of war.
In a post shared on X, Ablakwa wrote, “During our engagements and media briefing, Ukrainian authorities revealed that from their credible intelligence gathering, they have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine.
Even more depressing and frightening, we were informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022 for which an estimated 55 have been killed and 2 captured as prisoners of war”.
He further added, “As a responsible government, we cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics. These are not just numbers; they represent human lives, the hope of many Ghanaian families and our nation.
That is why the government is determined to raise awareness and embark on intensive public education so that our youth will be protected.
The Mahama Administration is committed to tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction. This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others.
It is noteworthy that our two captured compatriots spoke out passionately about the grave dangers during my visit and cautioned the youth not to be tempted, regardless of the monetary enticements — I expect all our young people to listen to them”.
In related news, a Ghanaian man serving in the Russian army has bragged about the huge financial earnings he receives.
According to the Ghanaian man in the Russian army, the Russian army is the best, adding that his salary can feed a person’s family for 3 years.
In a video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo via X on February 14, 2025, the Ghanaian man was seen in a Russian military uniform.
The Ghanaian man further urged other Africans to come and join the Russian army, as it offers lucrative financial incentives.
In the viral video, the Ghanaian man stated, “The Russian army is the best army, it is not for kids. Understand it. You hear popo? Give and take. My salary can feed your father, mother, and family for like two years or three years,” the Ghanaian man, whose identity has not been disclosed, said.
In the video, a Ukrainian official who also spoke about African serving in the Russian army attributed the situation to economic hardship.
He stated, “As we understand, it is deception, and secondly, it is economic causes, because they are promised serious money for easy jobs, so why not?”
See the post below:
I express my profound appreciation to His Excellency @andrii_sybiha the distinguished Foreign Minister of Ukraine for the warm hospitality and tremendous progress we have made in our bilateral relations since my arrival in Kyiv.
— Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa (@S_OkudzetoAblak) February 26, 2026
It was an honour joining him to lay flowers at… pic.twitter.com/lIlAQiJFgZ