Ablakwa Leads Diplomatic Push for Release of Ghanaian Captured in Ukraine Conflict
Ghana has initiated diplomatic discussions with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as a prisoner of war, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed.
According to the Minister, Ukraine officially informed the Government of Ghana about the arrest and detention of the individual and provided identifying details, which Ghanaian authorities have since verified.
Mr Ablakwa explained that available information shows the Ghanaian travelled to Moscow on July 7, 2024, and subsequently signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment under Russia’s 42nd Motorised Rifle Division. He later took part in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia region before being captured by Ukrainian forces.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said he has already met with Ukraine’s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, during which he formally appealed for the detainee’s release to enable his safe return to Ghana. He added that a special diplomatic communication has also been dispatched to Kyiv to reinforce Ghana’s position.
Mr Ablakwa further disclosed plans to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to personally advance negotiations aimed at securing the Ghanaian’s freedom. He stressed that Ghana has firmly objected to any attempt to include the detainee in a potential prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, cautioning that such a move could further endanger his life.
Expressing cautious optimism, the Minister cited Ghana’s cordial bilateral relations with Ukraine and the country’s long-standing advocacy for peace and a negotiated end to the conflict.
He also issued a strong warning to Ghanaian youth against falling victim to criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks, noting that such groups often operate through online platforms and the dark web. Mr Ablakwa warned that involvement in foreign conflicts exposes individuals to grave dangers, including death, injury or prolonged detention.
The Minister assured Ghanaians that the Mahama administration remains fully committed to protecting the welfare and safety of citizens wherever they may be, and will continue to take decisive diplomatic action to ensure that no Ghanaian is left unprotected abroad.
