Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has secured rare access to two Ghanaian citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, describing the visit as a major diplomatic breakthrough in ongoing efforts to secure their release.

The minister disclosed on Thursday that he was granted access to a highly fortified security camp where the two Ghanaians are being detained. He thanked Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, for approving what he described as an unusual request — reportedly the first of its kind by an African foreign minister.

“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities,” Mr Ablakwa stated.

He noted that the rare access granted by Ukrainian authorities reflects the cordial bilateral relations between Ghana and Ukraine and strengthens confidence in ongoing negotiations aimed at securing the men’s freedom.

“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.

The identities of the two prisoners have been withheld for security reasons. However, the minister revealed that both men expressed a firm resolve to turn their ordeal into advocacy.

“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,” he added.

Mr Ablakwa’s visit to Kyiv forms part of high-level diplomatic engagements between Ghana and Ukraine, during which he also held talks with President Zelenskyy. The discussions are understood to have centred on bilateral cooperation and humanitarian considerations regarding the detained Ghanaians.

The development marks a significant step in Ghana’s diplomatic push to secure the safe return of its citizens while reinforcing its commitment to protecting nationals caught up in foreign conflicts.