Ghana’s foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, told reporters after a visit to Kyiv that at least 55 Ghanaians have been killed after being lured to fight in Russia’s war with Ukraine. Ablakwa said authorities believe 272 Ghanaians have been recruited since 2022, and that two have been taken prisoner of war.
Reports in recent months have described African men who were attracted by promises of work in Russia only to end up on the frontlines in Ukraine, a development that has strained relations between Moscow and several African capitals. Russian officials deny accusations that they are illegally recruiting foreign nationals to fight.
Speaking alongside Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, Ablakwa said Ghana would work to raise public awareness and to dismantle what he called ‘dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction.’ He warned that Ghanaian youth should not be used as ‘human shields for others’ and said the government will intensify education campaigns and efforts to identify and break up illegal recruitment networks. The two Ghanaians held as prisoners have reportedly urged others not to be swayed by financial incentives.
The issue is affecting other African states as well. South Africa’s government said two of its citizens died on the frontlines; those deaths are separate from a group of about 17 South Africans who were reportedly deceived into fighting for Russia and have mostly been repatriated. Duduzile Zuma‑Sambudla, a daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, is under police investigation over allegations that she lured more than a dozen South African men to Russia.
Kenyan intelligence has estimated that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia. Kenya’s foreign ministry said 27 nationals have been rescued after being stranded in Russia, and Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi planned a visit to Moscow in March to press the matter with Russian officials.