By James Amoh Junior
Accra, Feb. 27, GNA – Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has paid an official visit to Ukraine where he held talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on the protection of two Ghanaian nationals being held as prisoners of war and on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The Minister was received in Kyiv by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
The meeting focused on Ghana’s humanitarian appeal for the release of the two citizens and the need to ensure their rights are protected in line with international law and established humanitarian conventions.
Mr Ablakwa conveyed the Government of Ghana’s concern for the welfare and safety of its nationals and expressed appreciation to the Ukrainian authorities for assurances regarding their protection.
Ukrainian authorities disclosed, based on credible intelligence, that 1,780 Africans from 36 countries had allegedly been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine.
Of that number, 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the conflict since 2022.
An estimated 55 are reported to have been killed, while two are currently being held as prisoners of war.
The figures have heightened concerns over the operations of transnational trafficking syndicates targeting vulnerable youth with false promises and financial inducements.
Mr Ablakwa delivered a message of gratitude from President John Dramani Mahama to his Ukrainian counterpart for the attention given to the matter.
The talks further examined the growing threat of transnational trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable youth across Africa and lure them into conflict situations under false pretences.
Both sides emphasised the need for enhanced cooperation through intelligence-sharing and public awareness to dismantle such networks and prevent further exploitation.
Beyond consular issues, the two discussed opportunities to deepen collaboration in agriculture, defence, education and trade, and reaffirmed their commitment to expanding diplomatic engagement and mutually beneficial partnerships.
Mr Ablakwa expressed optimism that ongoing engagements would yield positive outcomes and reiterated the Government’s commitment to safeguarding the interests and dignity of Ghanaians abroad.
The visit, the Minister said, reflected the Government’s resolve to prioritise the protection of its citizens and advance Ghana’s foreign policy objectives.
President Zelenskyy extended an invitation to President Mahama to visit Kyiv as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic ties between the two countries.
GNA
Edited by Samuel Osei-Frempong