Ghana has begun diplomatic negotiations with the government of Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently being held as a prisoner of war. This was disclosed by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in a public statement on Saturday, January 3.
According to the Minister, the Ukrainian authorities have formally notified Ghana of the arrest of the Ghanaian citizen and provided full identification details, which government agencies in Accra have since verified.
Evidence shared with the Ghanaian government indicates that the national arrived in Moscow, Russia, on 7 July 2024, where he reportedly signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division. He is said to have subsequently participated in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia region of Ukraine.
Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that he held discussions with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, during which he appealed for the detainee’s release and repatriation. A formal diplomatic message has also been transmitted to Kyiv as part of the ongoing engagement. The Minister further revealed that he is scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations.
Ghana has formally objected to the possibility of the national being included in a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such an arrangement could expose him to heightened risk.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed optimism that Ghana’s longstanding cordial relations with Ukraine and its principled advocacy for peace would support the diplomatic effort to secure the citizen’s safe return.
He also used the opportunity to caution Ghanaian youth against falling prey to illegal recruitment, mercenary activities and human-trafficking networks, many of which operate covertly online.
“It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict , you can be killed or captured,” the Minister warned, adding that the government remains committed to protecting citizens wherever they may be.
The identity of the detained Ghanaian national is being withheld for security and privacy reasons.
Source:Fiilafmonline/3News
