272 Ghanaians lured into Russia-Ukraine war, 55 killed – Foreign Minister

Ghanaian authorities are investigating alleged criminal recruitment networks that have lured 272 nationals into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the investigation, revealing that 55 of the recruited Ghanaians have reportedly died, and two are being held as prisoners of war. Ablakwa stated that information gathered during a recent visit to Kyiv suggests the recruitment of Ghanaians is part of a larger pattern involving nationals from various African countries, with an estimated 1,780 Africans from 36 countries joining Russian forces. Many affected Ghanaians responded to advertisements for jobs in construction, hospitality, logistics, and security, only to be allegedly recruited into the conflict instead. The government is working with foreign authorities to verify the identities and welfare of those affected and provide consular assistance. Ablakwa emphasized the administration's commitment to dismantling illegal recruitment schemes, particularly those operating on the dark web, and preventing Ghanaian youth from becoming "human shields." The ministry is intensifying public education to encourage prospective migrants to verify overseas employment opportunities. These cases highlight a broader challenge of fraudulent overseas recruitment, human trafficking, and irregular migration, where criminal networks exploit vulnerable Ghanaians with false promises. The minister also cited recent consular interventions, including the repatriation of Ghanaians from Libya and Cambodia, and efforts to combat trafficking networks linked to scams in West Africa.

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It is estimated that about 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries have joined Russian forces.