Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa visited Kyiv on Wednesday and urged President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war.
The two men were captured while fighting for Russia in the conflict triggered by Moscow’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
The war has drawn mercenaries and foreign fighters from several African nations into battles far from home.
Ukrainian authorities said more than 1,780 citizens from 36 African countries, including Ghana, were identified among Russian ranks.
Some of those foreign recruits have since been captured by Ukrainian forces on the battlefield.
Speaking beside his Ukrainian counterpart, Ablakwa expressed optimism about securing the detainees’ release on humanitarian grounds.
He said he hoped President Zelensky would act with compassion and magnanimity during their discussions later in the day.
The minister described the captured Ghanaians as victims of manipulation, disinformation and criminal trafficking networks.
He thanked Ukraine for respecting international law in its treatment of the detainees.
Ablakwa said Ghana had received assurances the two men were in good health.
He added they had not been tortured or subjected to inhumane treatment since their capture.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga said talks with Ghana were frank and included discussion of returning the prisoners.
Sybiga also called on Accra to strengthen efforts to prevent African citizens from being recruited by Russia.
He said Moscow was dragging Ghanaians to their deaths, while Ukraine offered cooperation in the interest of life.
