At least 55 Ghanaians have been killed fighting in the war in Ukraine, with two others currently being held as prisoners of war, according to Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The figures were disclosed by Ukrainian authorities during high-level talks in Kyiv between Ghanaian officials and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha.

Mr Ablakwa said Ukrainian intelligence indicated that 272 Ghanaians have been lured into the conflict since 2022 through transnational criminal trafficking networks. Broader data shared during the engagement revealed that 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are believed to have been recruited under similar circumstances to fight against Ukraine.

Describing the situation as devastating in a social media post, the minister stated: “These are not mere statistics; they are Ghanaian lives cut short, and families shattered.”

He stressed that Ghana cannot remain indifferent to the growing exploitation of its youth in foreign conflicts.

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“This is not our war. We cannot allow our young people to be used as human shields in a conflict that does not concern Ghana,” he said.

Mr Ablakwa also signalled a tougher domestic response, announcing intensified public education and decisive action against recruitment networks.

“We are determined to track and dismantle every illegal recruitment scheme operating within our jurisdiction, including those on the dark web,” he stated.

During the visit, Ghanaian officials laid flowers at Kyiv’s Wall of Remembrance in honour of war victims and held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation, particularly in combating human trafficking and illegal recruitment.

The two captured Ghanaians, who were granted consular access, reportedly cautioned fellow citizens against being enticed by promises of financial reward, describing the dangers on the battlefield as grave.

Mr Ablakwa added that efforts are underway to protect vulnerable youth and prevent further loss of Ghanaian lives.