At least 55 Ghanaians have been killed after being “lured into battle” in Russia’s war with Ukraine, Ghana’s foreign minister said following a visit to Kyiv. The minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited since 2022, with two taken prisoner of war.
Reports in recent months have detailed African men being attracted to Russia by promises of jobs and subsequently ending up on Ukraine’s frontlines, raising tensions between Moscow and affected countries. Russian authorities deny illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in Ukraine.
Speaking from Kyiv alongside Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, Ablakwa said Ghana intended to raise awareness about the recruitment and to dismantle “dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction.” He stressed: “This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others.” The Ghanaian government plans to step up public education and efforts to track and break up illegal recruitment networks. The two captured Ghanaians have reportedly warned others against being tempted by financial incentives to join the conflict.
The issue is affecting other African states. South Africa’s government said two of its citizens died on the frontlines; these deaths were separate from a group of 17 South Africans who were tricked into fighting for Russia and mostly repatriated. Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, a daughter of former South African president Jacob Zuma, is under police investigation over allegations of luring more than a dozen South African men to Russia.
Kenyan intelligence has reported that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia. Kenya’s foreign ministry said 27 Kenyans have been rescued after being stranded in Russia, and Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi plans to visit Russia in March to discuss the issue.
