Ghana Begins Diplomatic Talks with Ukraine to Secure Release of Detained National

The Government of Ghana has commenced diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national who is currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as a prisoner of war, following his alleged involvement in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

According to official information, the Ukrainian Government formally notified Ghana of the arrest and detention of the Ghanaian, whose name has been withheld. Ghanaian authorities have since verified his identity through diplomatic channels.

Evidence presented to the Government of Ghana indicates that the individual arrived in Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where records show he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment of the 42nd Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian military. He is said to have subsequently taken part in combat operations in the Zaporizhzhia direction, where he was later captured by Ukrainian forces.

In a statement, Ghana disclosed that a high-level meeting was held with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, during which a formal appeal was made for the release of the detained Ghanaian. A special diplomatic message has also been sent to Kyiv to reinforce Ghana’s position.

The Government further announced plans for a high-level visit to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue negotiations aimed at securing the national’s release.

Ghana has strongly objected to any attempt to include the detained national in a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such a move could further endanger his safety and complicate efforts to secure his freedom.

Authorities say they remain hopeful that sustained diplomatic engagement, Ghana’s cordial relations with Ukraine, and the country’s longstanding advocacy for peace and a cessation of hostilities will lead to a positive outcome.

Beyond the diplomatic efforts, the Government issued a strong warning to Ghanaian youth, urging them to remain vigilant against criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks that lure individuals into foreign conflicts, often through clandestine means and the dark web.

“It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflict. You can be killed or captured,” the statement warned, stressing the grave risks associated with such activities.

The Government reaffirmed that the Mahama administration remains committed to prioritizing the welfare and safety of all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad, and will continue working to ensure that no citizen is left in harm’s way.

The statement concluded with a call for national solidarity, signed off with the words: “For God and Country.”