62 Ghanaians Dead, 15 Still Missing in Russia-Ukraine War: Foreign Affairs Minister

Sixty-two Ghanaian nationals have died in Russia, while another 15 remain missing after travelling to the country amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

Mr Ablakwa made the revelation during a press conference in Moscow following bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov post on his X page.

The Minister said Ghana used the engagement to raise concerns about the alleged illegal recruitment of Ghanaian youth who are lured to Russia with promises of employment but later find themselves enlisted to take part in military operations linked to 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.

He expressed concern over the growing number of Ghanaian casualties, revealing that 62 citizens have now lost their lives, while 15 others who travelled to Russia remain unaccounted for.

“Unfortunately, the number of Ghanaian deaths in Russia has gone up. 62 Ghanaians have now died, and 15 who travelled to Russia remain missing,” he stated.

According to the Minister, Ghana is particularly concerned about young people who are reportedly deceived by recruitment agents and offered jobs in Russia, only to be drawn into military activities.

He said the Ghanaian government has therefore made the protection of its citizens a key issue in its engagements with the Russian authorities.

Mr Ablakwa welcomed a commitment from the Russian government to cooperate with Ghana to prevent the illegal recruitment and enlistment of Ghanaian nationals 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.

He assured that the government would continue engaging Russian authorities and advocate for stronger measures to prevent 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,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

The Foreign Affairs Minister stressed that Ghana has no role in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and should not continue to lose its citizens as a result of the war.

“This is not our war, and it should not be claiming Ghanaian lives,” he added.

The disclosure comes amid growing concerns over reports that some Ghanaian nationals are being recruited to travel to Russia under the guise of securing employment, only to allegedly be enlisted and deployed to participate in military operations against Ukraine.

The Ghanaian government is expected to continue discussions with Russian authorities as it seeks to prevent further recruitment of Ghanaian citizens and secure the safety of those who may already have been caught up in the conflict.

https://x.com/S_OkudzetoAblak/status/2089715695193883081?s=20