By Nana Karikari, Senior Global Affairs Correspondent
Ghana has achieved a rare diplomatic breakthrough in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict after Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa secured personal access to two Ghanaian citizens held as prisoners of war. The visit, disclosed by the minister on Thursday, February 26, 2026, marks the first time an African foreign minister has been granted entry into Ukraine’s highly fortified detention camps, signaling a deepening of bilateral ties between Accra and Kyiv.
High-Level Diplomacy in Kyiv
The mission to Ukraine was anchored by top-tier executive engagements, including direct talks between the Foreign Minister and the Ukrainian presidency. These discussions centered on bilateral cooperation and the humanitarian crisis involving the detained Ghanaians.
“I express my profound appreciation to His Excellency @andrii_sybiha the distinguished Foreign Minister of Ukraine for the warm hospitality and tremendous progress we have made in our bilateral relations since my arrival in Kyiv,” Mr. Ablakwa said. He also emphasized the gravity of the shared history between the two nations during the visit. “It was an honour joining him to lay flowers at the Wall of Remembrance and holding very substantive discussions covering a wide range of interests.”
A Breakthrough Behind Fortified Walls
Mr. Ablakwa’s entry into the conflict zone provided a rare glimpse into the conditions of foreign nationals caught in the war. He disclosed that he was granted access to a highly fortified security camp where the two Ghanaians are being detained. This access, he noted, was a direct result of the intervention of the Ukrainian leadership.
“I thank President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for granting my request to visit the two Ghanaian prisoners of war,” the minister stated. “I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities.”
The Shadow of Human Trafficking
Beyond the immediate fate of the two prisoners, the diplomatic mission unearthed a systemic crisis involving the recruitment of African nationals into the war. Data provided by Ukrainian intelligence suggests that a vast network of traffickers is luring young men from the continent into combat roles under false pretenses.
“During our engagements and media briefing, Ukrainian authorities revealed that from their credible intelligence gathering, they have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine,” Mr. Ablakwa said.
The scale of Ghanaian involvement is particularly high. The minister revealed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022. Of that number, an estimated 55 have been killed and two captured as prisoners of war. “As a responsible government, we cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics. These are not just numbers, they represent human lives, the hope of many Ghanaian families and our nation.”
From Combatants to Advocates
The two unidentified prisoners expressed a desire to transform their survival into a cautionary tale for others across the continent. According to the minister, the men are eager to return home to expose the tactics used by recruitment syndicates.
“It is refreshing to hear our two compatriots say that they are determined to become advocates against the modus operandi of trafficking networks and willing to devote the rest of their lives educating vulnerable Africans how to avoid such predicaments,” Mr. Ablakwa added. He urged the youth of Ghana to remain vigilant. “It is noteworthy that our two captured compatriots spoke out passionately about the grave dangers during my visit and cautioned the youth not to be tempted, regardless of the monetary enticements — I expect all our young people to listen to them.”
Policy Shifts in Accra
The Ghanaian government, currently under the Mahama administration, is now pivoting toward a more aggressive stance against the “dark web” entities facilitating these recruitments.
“The Mahama Administration is committed to tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction. This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” he said. “That is why the government is determined to raise awareness and embark on intensive public education so that our youth will be protected.”
A Precedent for African Diplomacy
The success of the visit has bolstered hopes that a formal release or exchange for the two prisoners is imminent. The minister noted that the rare access reflects the “cordial bilateral relations” and strengthens confidence in ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the men’s freedom.
“I appreciate that my request was quite unusual and the first of its kind from an African Foreign Minister, as I was informed — I am therefore immensely grateful that our request was not declined in affirmation of our cordial bilateral relations,” the minister said. “This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful.”
As of late Thursday, the Foreign Ministry has not provided a specific timeline for the citizens’ return, though diplomatic efforts in Kyiv are expected to continue through the weekend.
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Source:
www.gbcghanaonline.com