The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that Ghana has begun diplomatic engagements with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as a prisoner of war.

According to the Minister, the Government of Ukraine formally notified Ghana of the individual’s arrest and detention and supplied identifying details, which have since been verified by Ghanaian officials.

Mr Ablakwa said information available to the Ministry indicates that the Ghanaian travelled to Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where records show he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorised Rifle Division.

He subsequently participated in hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia direction before being captured by Ukrainian forces.

The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that he has met the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, during which he formally appealed for the Ghanaian’s release to facilitate his safe return home. 

He added that a special diplomatic communication has also been sent to Kyiv to reinforce Ghana’s request.

Mr Ablakwa further revealed that he is expected to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to personally pursue negotiations aimed at securing the detainee’s freedom. 

He stressed that Ghana has objected to any attempt to include the Ghanaian in a possible prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such a move could put his safety at further risk.

Expressing optimism about the outcome of the talks, the Minister cited Ghana’s cordial relations with Ukraine and the country’s consistent advocacy for peace and an end to the conflict.

He also used the opportunity to caution Ghanaian youth against falling prey to criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks, which often operate covertly through online platforms and the dark web. He warned that involvement in foreign conflicts carries extreme risks, including death or capture.

Mr Ablakwa assured the public that the Mahama administration remains fully committed to safeguarding the welfare and security of all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, and will continue to take decisive action to ensure that no citizen is left exposed to harm.