Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced that 62 Ghanaian citizens have lost their lives, while an additional 15 are still missing after travelling to Russia amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Mr. Ablakwa made this announcement during a press conference in Moscow, following bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
In a subsequent post on X, Mr. Ablakwa wrote, “Unfortunately, the number of Ghanaian deaths in Russia has gone up. 62 Ghanaians have now died, and 15 who travelled to Russia remain missing.”
The Minister highlighted that a significant issue raised during his talks with Mr. Lavrov was the urgent need to halt the alleged illegal recruitment of Ghanaian citizens who are enticed to Russia and subsequently enlisted to take part in military operations.
He expressed particular concern regarding the recruitment of young individuals who are promised job opportunities but ultimately find themselves embroiled in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
“During our press conference in Moscow with Foreign Minister Lavrov after our bilateral engagement, I disclosed that an important matter to Ghana was how to stop the illegal recruitment of Ghanaian youth who are lured and end up fighting in the Russia-Ukraine war,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
According to the Minister, the Russian government has committed to collaborating with Ghana to prevent the unlawful enlistment of Ghanaian citizens into military operations.
“I welcome the pledge of the Russian Government to work with the Government of Ghana to stop the illegal enlistment of our youth,” he said.
Mr. Ablakwa emphasised that the Ghanaian government would persist in its engagement with Russian authorities and advocate for measures to safeguard Ghanaian citizens from being recruited into the conflict.
“The Government of Ghana will continue to lead advocacy on this matter and ensure that our youth are protected from harm’s way. This is not our war, and it should not be claiming Ghanaian lives,” he added.
The disclosure comes amid concerns over reports of Ghanaian nationals being recruited to Russia under the guise of employment before being deployed to participate in the war against Ukraine.
