Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that 1,780 Africans from 36 countries, including 272 Ghanaians, have been trafficked to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war. The alarming disclosure has raised concerns about human trafficking networks targeting vulnerable African youth with promises of lucrative opportunities abroad, only to deploy them into active war zones.
According to Ablakwa, Ukrainian authorities have documented the trafficking of Africans, with 55 Ghanaians killed and two captured as prisoners of war since 2022. The Minister described the statistics as “heartbreaking” and “frightening”, emphasizing that Ghana cannot ignore the implications for Ghanaian families.
The Ghanaian government has vowed to intensify public education campaigns to warn young people about the dangers of illegal recruitment schemes and track down dark web networks operating within the country. “This is not our war, and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” Ablakwa stated.
The Minister’s revelation has sparked concerns about the growing trend of African nationals being lured into foreign conflicts. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that discussions were held with Ghana to strengthen bilateral relations and address the issue.
The international community is calling for increased efforts to combat human trafficking and protect vulnerable individuals. As the situation continues to unfold, Ghanaian authorities are working to bring home those still stranded and prevent further recruitment into the conflict.
The Ghanaian government is urging citizens to be cautious of false promises and report any suspicious activities to the authorities.
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Author: Korkor Anumu
