The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana has begun diplomatic engagements with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national being held as a prisoner of war.
In a Facebook post on Saturday, January 3, Mr Ablakwa said the Ukrainian government had officially informed Ghana of the arrest and provided details of the detained national, which have since been verified by Ghanaian authorities.
According to the Minister, available evidence indicates that the Ghanaian travelled to Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where he allegedly signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment under the 42nd Motorised Rifle Division. He was subsequently deployed to the Zaporizhzhia front, where he reportedly took part in hostilities.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed that he has met with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, and formally appealed for the release of the detained Ghanaian.
“I held a meeting with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, and appealed for his release to Ghana. A special message has been sent to Kyiv,” he stated.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also revealed plans to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations. He added that Ghana has objected to any attempt to include its citizen in a potential prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia.
“Ghana has objected to the potential of our national being added to a prisoners-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, as that could make him even more vulnerable,” he explained.
Mr Ablakwa expressed confidence that Ghana’s diplomatic efforts would yield positive results, citing the country’s cordial relations and strong commitment to peace.
He further cautioned Ghanaian youth to be vigilant against criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks, warning that such schemes often lure individuals into dangerous conflicts.
“It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict. You can be killed or captured,” he cautioned.
The Minister reaffirmed the commitment of the Mahama administration to protecting the welfare and safety of Ghanaians both at home and abroad.
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