Ablakwa meets Ukraine’s Zelenskyy over Ghanaians captured in Russia war

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to seek the release of two Ghanaians captured in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

The minister disclosed details of the engagement in a social media post on Wednesday evening after holding talks with Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, the discussions centred on Ghana’s humanitarian appeal for the release of two citizens currently being held as prisoners of war.

“We held fruitful discussions focused on Ghana’s appeal on humanitarian grounds for the release of two of our citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine,” he wrote.

He expressed optimism about the outcome of the engagement, stating, “I am optimistic that we shall be successful in our negotiations.”

Mr. Ablakwa further indicated that he had formally conveyed appreciation from John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana to the Ukrainian leader for safeguarding the rights of the detained Ghanaians.

“I have conveyed the gratitude of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of our citizens being held are protected as required under international law,” he noted.

Beyond the immediate consular matter, the Foreign Affairs Minister said the bilateral meeting also addressed broader security concerns, particularly the operations of trafficking networks targeting African youth.

“Our bilateral talks explored how our two countries can effectively combat the threat posed by trafficking networks that lure vulnerable, unsuspecting youth from Africa only to end up risking their lives in the ongoing war,” he stated.

The conflict between Russia and Ukraine has drawn in foreign nationals under varying circumstances, including reports of recruitment and trafficking schemes that exploit economic vulnerabilities.

Mr. Ablakwa added that both countries agreed to strengthen diplomatic and economic cooperation, with strategic interventions identified in agriculture, defence, education, and trade.

He also revealed that President Zelenskyy has extended a formal invitation to President Mahama as Kyiv seeks to elevate diplomatic relations with Accra.

Reaffirming the government’s commitment to protecting its nationals abroad, the Foreign Minister declared, “Every Ghanaian life matters to the Mahama Administration.”

The meeting signals Ghana’s continued diplomatic engagement on the welfare of its citizens caught up in foreign conflicts, while pursuing stronger bilateral ties with Ukraine.