During an unprecedented visit to Kyiv, Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa officially requested the release of two of his compatriots. These men, captured on the front lines, were fighting in the Russian ranks against Ukrainian forces.

The minister called for "magnanimity" from President Volodymyr Zelensky to allow the repatriation of these prisoners to Ghana.

A recruitment process based on deception

According to Ghanaian authorities, these fighters are neither volunteer mercenaries nor career soldiers. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa sought to clarify the situation:

1. Lack of mandate: The Ghanaian government is in no way involved in their enlistment.
2. Manipulation: These men were allegedly victims of criminal networks promising them stable civilian jobs in Russia.
3. Lack of experience: Without any prior military training, they were allegedly sent to the front lines after being misled about the nature of their stay.

The minister nevertheless praised the humane treatment given by Ukraine to its prisoners, confirming that they are in good health and have not suffered any abuse.

The alarming figures for the African contingent

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga took advantage of this meeting to make a worrying observation:

“More than 1,780 Africans , from 36 different nations, are currently fighting for Moscow.”

Mr. Sybiga accused Russia of sending these men to "certain death" and urged African capitals to strengthen their legislation to dismantle Russian recruitment networks on the continent.

A continental phenomenon

Ghana's case is not isolated. Since the end of 2025, numerous countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Togo, and Cameroon have discovered the scale of the trafficking. Survivor testimonies confirm a recurring modus operandi: a promise of decent employment that abruptly transforms into forced recruitment on the battlefield.