Ghanaian casualties in Russia-Ukraine war rise to 62, 15 missing
Ghana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, reported that 62 Ghanaians have died and 15 are missing in the Russia-Ukraine war, an increase from the previously reported 55 deaths. He raised this concern during discussions with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Moscow, urging an end to the illegal recruitment of Ghanaians for the conflict. Lavrov stated that foreigners fighting with the Russian army voluntarily signed military contracts. The Ghanaian government previously indicated that at least 272 Ghanaians have been lured into the war since 2022, often through deceptive job offers. Minister Ablakwa noted that those affected were victims of manipulation, misinformation, and criminal trafficking networks. Ghana is investigating suspected recruitment networks and working to dismantle illegal schemes. The government is also engaging with Ukraine regarding two Ghanaians captured on the battlefield and advises vigilance concerning overseas job offers.
