Ghana’s foreign minister says at least 55 Ghanaian nationals have been killed after being lured into fighting in Russia’s war in Ukraine. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the figures following a visit to Kyiv intended to raise concern about reports that African men have been recruited and transported to serve on Russia’s frontlines after being promised work and money.
Ablakwa wrote on X that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been enticed into battle since 2022, with an estimated 55 killed and 2 taken as prisoners of war. He said Ghana will step up public education, trace and dismantle illegal recruitment operations—including schemes operating on the dark web—and warn young people against offers that could put them in harm’s way. Ablakwa said the two captured Ghanaians have urged others not to accept financial incentives to join the conflict.
Ukrainian foreign minister Andrii Sybiha, who joined Ablakwa at a media briefing in Kyiv, said more than 1,780 Africans from 36 countries are fighting in the Russian armed forces. Russian authorities have denied allegations that they are illegally recruiting African citizens to fight in Ukraine.
Ghana’s statements reflect growing diplomatic tensions between Moscow and several African governments over the past months. Ghana maintains economic and diplomatic ties with Russia but has indicated it will take action at home to prevent its citizens from being used as combatants.
Other African countries have reported similar problems. South Africa’s government said this week two of its citizens died on the frontlines; this was separate from an earlier case in which 17 South Africans were reportedly tricked into fighting for Russia and were mostly repatriated. In South Africa, Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla, a daughter of former president Jacob Zuma, is under police investigation over alleged involvement in luring more than a dozen men to Russia.
Kenyan intelligence warns that more than 1,000 Kenyans have been recruited to fight for Russia. Kenya’s foreign ministry says 27 citizens have been rescued after being stranded in Russia, and Kenyan foreign minister Musalia Mudavadi planned a March visit to Russia to discuss the matter.
Ghana’s government has framed the issue as a protection and public-safety priority, saying the country will intensify outreach and law-enforcement efforts to stop illegal recruitment networks and prevent further loss of life.