Ghanaian Casualties in Ukraine Conflict
At least 55 Ghanaians have died while fighting in the war in Ukraine, with two others currently held as prisoners of war, according to Ghana's foreign affairs minister.
During a visit to Kyiv, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that approximately 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the conflict since 2022, citing information from Ukrainian authorities.
"These figures are depressing and frightening," Ablakwa said, adding that Ghana "cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics."
He did not specify which side the Ghanaians were fighting for, but Ukraine's foreign minister noted on Wednesday that over 1,700 individuals from 36 African countries had been recruited to fight for Russia.
The confirmed 55 Ghanaian casualties represent the highest number from a single African country officially reported in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Local media in Cameroon have reported that 94 of its nationals have died in the conflict, although Cameroonian authorities have not officially confirmed these figures.
Additionally, two South Africans and at least one Kenyan have died in the conflict.
"These casualty figures are not just numbers; they represent human lives, the hope of many Ghanaian families and our nation," Ablakwa emphasized.
He further stated that the Ghanaian government is committed to "tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes" and launching extensive public awareness campaigns to prevent the country's youth from being drawn into the conflict.
"This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others," he added.
Recruitment and Legal Actions
On Thursday, a Kenyan national was charged with allegations of luring young men to Russia with promises of job opportunities, only for them to end up fighting in Ukraine. Festus Arasa Omwamba denied the charges.
A report from Kenya's National Intelligence Service (NIS), released last week, indicated that approximately 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia in its four-year war against Ukraine.
Russia's embassy in Kenya has denied involvement in recruiting individuals to fight in the war. However, it stated that Russian law permits foreign nationals legally present in the country to voluntarily enlist in the armed forces.
Diplomatic Efforts and Prisoners of War
On Wednesday, Ghana's foreign minister urged Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured while fighting for Russia.
"They are victims of manipulation, of disinformation, misinformation, of criminal trafficking networks," Ablakwa said.
He expressed gratitude to Ukraine for ensuring that international law was respected in the treatment of the detainees.
"We have received reports that they are in good health," he stated. "They have not been tortured. They have not suffered any inhumane treatment since they were captured."
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiga mentioned that both sides engaged in frank discussions regarding the possibility of returning the prisoners to Ghana.
Other African Nations' Involvement
South Africa announced on Thursday that two of its citizens had been killed in Ukraine, while another 15 had been repatriated over the past week. Two additional South Africans remain in Russia receiving treatment for "very severe" injuries, according to Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola.
Ukrainian officials have repeatedly warned that anyone fighting for Russia would be treated as an enemy combatant, with the only safe option being to surrender and be treated as prisoners of war.
Ukraine has also faced criticism for attempting to recruit foreign nationals, including Africans, to fight on its side.
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