Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has gained uncommon access to two Ghanaians captured in the war in Ukraine, calling the visit an important diplomatic achievement in the ongoing process to secure their freedom.

He revealed that he was allowed to enter a heavily guarded detention centre where the two men are being kept. He expressed gratitude to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, for approving what he described as an unusual request — believed to be the first time such access has been granted to an African foreign minister.

“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 said the decision by the Ukrainian authorities to allow the visit shows the strong and friendly ties between Ghana and Ukraine. According to him, the gesture also increases hope that the ongoing talks for the men’s release will end successfully.

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

The names of the two detainees have not been made public for security reasons. Still, the minister shared that both men are determined to use their experience to help others avoid similar situations.

“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 trip to Kyiv was part of broader diplomatic discussions between Ghana and Ukraine. During the visit, he also met with President Zelenskyy. The talks reportedly focused on cooperation between the two countries and humanitarian issues concerning the detained Ghanaians.

This latest development represents meaningful progress in Ghana’s efforts to bring its citizens home safely and highlights the government’s resolve to protect Ghanaians affected by conflicts abroad.