By Patrick Biddah
The Government of Ghana, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is negotiating the release of two Ghanaians being held by Ukrainian authorities as prisoners of war following their involvement in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this at a press conference on Monday, September 7, 2026, where he provided an update on Ghana’s repatriated nationals caught up in conflicts and distress situations abroad.
According to the Minister, the two Ghanaians remain in the custody of the Ukrainian authorities, but government is actively engaging the relevant authorities to secure their release.
“It is also worth reminding that two of our nationals continue to be held by Ukrainian authorities as prisoners of war, even though we are actively negotiating for their release,” Mr Ablakwa said.
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He expressed optimism that the negotiations would yield a positive outcome, citing the cooperation Ghana has received from the Ukrainian authorities.
“I’m quite confident that soon they will be released. And I commend the Ukrainian authorities for their impressive cooperation so far,” he added.
The Minister also revealed that 62 Ghanaians have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while 15 others remain missing, following their involvement in the war.
Mr Ablakwa attributed some of the cases to the activities of illegal recruitment agencies and human-trafficking networks that lure unsuspecting Ghanaians, particularly the youth, with promises of better opportunities abroad.
He cautioned the youth to be vigilant about the methods and branding used by such illegal recruitment agencies, noting that some victims are promised “greener pastures, milk and honey on the other side” only to find themselves in extremely difficult and heartbreaking circumstances.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterates its caution to Ghanaians, particularly the youth, to be conscious of the models of branding of illegal recruitment agencies and human trafficking networks,” he said.
The Minister said the government had intensified efforts to clamp down on the activities of the criminal networks responsible for such recruitment and warned that individuals who cooperate or conspire with them would not be spared.
He said the government’s efforts were aimed at protecting Ghanaian youth from being deceived into situations that could put their lives at risk, including being recruited to participate in foreign conflicts.
To help prospective travellers distinguish legitimate recruitment operators from fraudulent ones, Mr Ablakwa indicated that the government would publish a list of credible recruitment agencies that Ghanaians could rely on when seeking opportunities abroad.
The disclosure comes as the Ministry continues to work with Ghana’s diplomatic missions and international partners to assist Ghanaians caught up in crises and repatriate those who require assistance from various parts of the world.
