Ghana Initiates Diplomatic Talks With Ukraine Over Detained Ghanaian Prisoner of War

Ghana has begun high-level diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently being held as a prisoner of war in the ongoing Russia–Ukraine conflict.

The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that the talks commenced after the Ukrainian authorities officially notified the Government of Ghana about the arrest of a Ghanaian citizen. Following this notification, Ghanaian officials verified the individual’s identity and initiated formal diplomatic efforts aimed at securing his release.

In a statement shared on social media, Mr. Ablakwa said, “Ghana has commenced diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine aimed at securing the release of a Ghanaian national (name withheld) who is being held by the Ukrainians as a prisoner of war.”

Information available to the Ghanaian government indicates that the individual travelled to Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024. Records further suggest that he later signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorised Rifle Regiment under the 42nd Motorised Rifle Division and subsequently participated in military operations in the Zaporizhzhia region.

The Foreign Affairs Minister revealed that on Friday, January 2, 2026, he met with the Acting Ambassador of Ukraine to Ghana, Ivan Lukachuk, during which he formally appealed for the detainee’s release. He also confirmed that a special diplomatic communication has been sent to Kyiv and announced plans to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to further advance the negotiations.

“We are hopeful that our intense diplomatic efforts will yield the expected results, particularly by leveraging our cordial bilateral relations and Ghana’s strong advocacy for peace and the cessation of hostilities,” Mr. Ablakwa stated.

In addition to the ongoing negotiations, the Minister cautioned Ghanaian youth against falling prey to dubious recruitment networks that allegedly entice individuals to participate in foreign conflicts under false pretences.

Source: Yen.com.gh