Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has reported that at least 55 Ghanaian citizens have been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine after being deceived into service. According to the minister's statements made on social media platform X following a visit to Kyiv, approximately 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been tricked into combat roles since 2022, with two others captured.
"We have been informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into combat since 2022 and that approximately 55 of them have been killed and two captured," wrote Ablakwa. The foreign minister emphasized that Ghana cannot allow its youth to be used as "human shields" and announced plans to raise awareness and take action against illegal recruitment practices.
We have been informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into combat since 2022 and that approximately 55 of them have been killed and two captured
The revelation comes amid increasing reports of Russia recruiting men from various African countries for frontline service in Ukraine, often through promises of other employment opportunities. Last week, Kenya's parliament was informed that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been drawn into Russia's war effort through similar deceptive tactics.