At least 55 Ghanaians have been killed while fighting for Russia in the war against Ukraine, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed on Friday. The announcement highlights one of the highest death tolls among African nations whose citizens have been drawn into the conflict.
According to Ablakwa, a total of 272 Ghanaians have been lured into joining Russia’s war effort since 2022, with two currently held as prisoners of war. He cited information provided by Ukrainian officials during his recent visit to Kyiv.
Ukrainian authorities estimate that more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries have been recruited through deceptive job offers and trafficking networks, only to be forced into combat once in Russia. Ghana’s government has vowed to dismantle these recruitment schemes and repatriate citizens where possible.
Ablakwa laid flowers at Ukraine’s Wall of Remembrance in Kyiv to honor the fallen, underscoring Ghana’s solidarity with Ukraine and its concern over the exploitation of African nationals in the war. He also met with Ukrainian officials to discuss the fate of captured Ghanaians and possible diplomatic interventions.
The revelation has sparked outrage in Ghana, with calls for stronger measures to protect citizens from being trafficked into foreign conflicts. Analysts warn that the issue reflects a broader crisis of vulnerable populations being manipulated into wars far from home.
As the Russia-Ukraine war continues, Ghana’s government faces mounting pressure to safeguard its nationals abroad and to hold accountable those responsible for recruitment networks targeting African youth.
