Ablakwa opens talks with Ukraine to secure release of Ghanaian captured for fighting for Russia

Ghana has begun high-level diplomatic engagement with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian citizen currently being held as a prisoner of war, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

In a statement issued on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Mr Ablakwa said the Ukrainian government formally notified Ghana of the arrest and detention of the national, whose identity has been withheld.

He explained that Ghanaian authorities have since verified the individual’s identity following the official communication from Ukraine.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, information available to the government indicates that the Ghanaian travelled to Moscow on July 7, 2024, where he allegedly signed a contract to fight for the Russian military.

“Records show he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division and later participated in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia direction,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He disclosed that Ghana has already initiated direct diplomatic engagement with Ukrainian authorities, including a meeting with Ukraine’s representative in Accra.

“Yesterday, I met the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, and appealed for the release of our citizen,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa added that a formal message has been dispatched to Kyiv and that further steps are underway to intensify negotiations.

“A special communication has been sent to Kyiv, and I am scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to advance discussions for his release,” he noted.

The Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that Ghana has firmly opposed any attempt to include the detained national in a prisoner exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such an arrangement could further endanger him.

“Ghana has objected to the possibility of our citizen being added to a prisoner of war exchange because it could make him even more vulnerable,” he explained.

Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence that Ghana’s diplomatic efforts would yield results, citing the country’s long standing commitment to peace and dialogue.

“We are hopeful that our intensive diplomatic engagement will lead to a positive outcome, especially given Ghana’s cordial relations and strong advocacy for peace and an end to the conflict,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning to Ghanaian youth against falling victim to criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks linked to foreign conflicts.

“Please do not fall prey. It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict. You can be killed or captured,” he cautioned, noting that such networks often operate secretly and through online channels.

Mr Ablakwa reaffirmed the government’s resolve to protect Ghanaians wherever they may be.

“The Mahama administration will continue to prioritise the welfare of all Ghanaians and ensure that no citizen is left exposed to harm,” he assured.