62 Ghanaians killed, 15 missing in Russia-Ukraine war – Ablakwa
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed that 62 Ghanaian nationals have died, while 15 others remain missing, after travelling to Russia amid the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.
Mr Ablakwa made the revelation during a press conference in Moscow following bilateral discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov.
In a subsequent post on X, the Minister confirmed the rising death toll, stating that 62 Ghanaians had so far lost their lives, while the whereabouts of 15 others who travelled to Russia remained unknown.
A major issue raised during his meeting with Lavrov was the alleged illegal recruitment of Ghanaian citizens who are reportedly lured to Russia with promises of employment before being enlisted for military operations.
Mr Ablakwa expressed particular concern about young Ghanaians who travel to Russia expecting job opportunities but ultimately become involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
He said the Russian government had committed to working with Ghana to prevent the illegal recruitment and enlistment of Ghanaian nationals into military activities.
The Minister welcomed the commitment, saying Ghana would continue engaging Russian authorities and advocating for measures to safeguard its citizens from being drawn into the war.
He stressed that the government would intensify efforts to protect Ghanaian youth from being exposed to the conflict, insisting that Ghana had no part in the war and should not continue losing its citizens to it.
The disclosure comes amid growing concerns over reports that some Ghanaians are being recruited to Russia under the guise of securing employment and are subsequently deployed to fight in the war against Ukraine.
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