Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that at least 55 Ghanaians have been killed fighting in the war in Ukraine, with two others currently being held as prisoners of war.

Ukrainian authorities presented the figures during high-level discussions in Kyiv between Ghanaian representatives and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.

According to Mr Ablakwa, intelligence from Ukraine shows that 272 Ghanaians have been drawn into the war since 2022 through cross-border criminal trafficking networks. In addition, wider data shared at the meeting indicated that 1,780 Africans from 36 different countries are suspected to have been recruited in similar ways to fight against Ukraine.

In a social media post reacting to the revelations, the minister described the development as heartbreaking, stating: “These are not mere statistics; they are Ghanaian lives cut short, and families shattered.”

He emphasised that Ghana cannot afford to ignore the increasing exploitation of its young people in overseas conflicts.

“This is not our war. We cannot allow our young people to be used as human shields in a conflict that does not concern Ghana,” he said.

Signalling a stronger response at home, Mr Ablakwa announced plans to step up public awareness campaigns and take firm action against recruitment syndicates.

“We are determined to track and dismantle every illegal recruitment scheme operating within our jurisdiction, including those on the dark web,” he stated.

As part of the trip, Ghanaian officials placed wreaths at Kyiv’s Wall of Remembrance to honour victims of the war and engaged in talks aimed at deepening cooperation between the two countries, especially in the fight against human trafficking and unlawful recruitment.

Meanwhile, the two detained Ghanaians who were given consular access are said to have warned others back home not to be tempted by offers of money, describing conditions on the battlefield as extremely dangerous.

Concluding his remarks, Mr Ablakwa noted that measures are being strengthened to safeguard vulnerable youth and stop further loss of Ghanaian lives.

The minister also disclosed that the two Ghanaian nationals detained in Ukraine are alive and in good health, describing his recent engagement as a major diplomatic breakthrough toward securing their release.

The Minister revealed that he was granted rare access to a tightly secured detention facility where the two men are being held after being captured in the ongoing war in Ukraine. He described the visit as an important step in efforts to bring them home.

“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He expressed appreciation to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the country’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for approving what he characterised as an extraordinary request. The Minister noted that the approval is believed to mark the first time an African foreign minister has been permitted such access.

According to him, Ukraine’s decision reflects the cordial relations between Accra and Kyiv and strengthens optimism that ongoing negotiations will yield positive results.

“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.

For security considerations, the identities of the detainees have not been disclosed. However, the Minister indicated that both men have expressed a strong desire to turn their experience into advocacy against human trafficking networks.

“It is refreshing to hear our two compatriots say that they are determined to become advocates against the modus operandi of trafficking networks and willing to devote the rest of their lives educating vulnerable Africans how to avoid such predicaments,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa’s visit to Kyiv formed part of wider diplomatic engagements between Ghana and Ukraine. During the trip, he also held discussions with President Zelenskyy, with talks reportedly centred on bilateral cooperation and humanitarian concerns relating to the detained Ghanaians.

The development signals notable progress in Ghana’s efforts to secure the safe return of its citizens and underscores the government’s commitment to protecting nationals caught up in conflicts beyond its borders.