Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured President John Dramani Mahama that Ghanaians will no longer be allowed to participate in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has announced.
The assurance follows concerns raised by President Mahama over the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals into the conflict, which has resulted in the deaths of dozens of Ghanaians.
In a Facebook post on Monday, November 2, the Ministry said the commitment was made during bilateral discussions between the two leaders at the Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow from October 28 to 29, 2026.
According to the Ministry, the restriction covers all forms of participation in the war, including recruitment through irregular channels and voluntary enlistment.
“Following concerns raised by President Mahama, President Putin has declared that Ghanaians are no longer allowed to participate in the war with Ukraine.
“This policy applies to all circumstances, whether through irregular recruitments or expression of voluntary interests,” the Ministry stated.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the recruitment of Ghanaians into the Russian military, with some reportedly lured by promises of lucrative employment before being deployed to fight in Ukraine.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed on August 17, 2026, that about 62 Ghanaians had died in the conflict, while 15 others remained missing.
In July 2026, the Minister had revealed that approximately 272 Ghanaians were believed to have been recruited to fight in the war since 2022.
At the time, 55 deaths had been reported, while two Ghanaians were being held as prisoners of war.
