Ablakwa Visits Ghanaian Prisoners of War in Ukraine, Confirms Their Safety

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has visited two Ghanaian nationals currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine, following what he described as a rare and unprecedented diplomatic access to a highly fortified security camp.

The emotional encounter marked a significant moment in Ghana’s ongoing diplomatic engagement aimed at securing the release of the two citizens. According to the Minister, he was granted special permission to visit the detention facility — an unusual request that, he was informed, had not previously been made by any African Foreign Minister.

Minister Ablakwa expressed profound appreciation to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, Andrii Sybiha, for honoring Ghana’s request and facilitating the visit. He noted that the gesture underscores the cordial bilateral relations between Ghana and Ukraine and reflects mutual respect within the framework of international diplomacy.

“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well,” the Minister stated after the visit. He further assured Ghanaians that the rights of the detained nationals under international law are being fully respected by Ukrainian authorities.

The meeting between the Ghanaian delegation and the two detainees was described as somber but reassuring. For security and privacy reasons, the identities of the two Ghanaians have been withheld. However, the Minister disclosed that the men appeared resolute and expressed deep remorse over the circumstances that led to their involvement in the conflict.

Significantly, the two detainees indicated their determination to use their experience as a cautionary lesson for others. They have reportedly pledged to become advocates against the operations of trafficking networks that prey on vulnerable African youth with deceptive promises, only to expose them to grave dangers in foreign conflicts. They expressed a willingness to dedicate their lives to educating fellow Africans on how to avoid falling victim to such schemes.

Minister Ablakwa noted that the unprecedented access granted by Ukrainian authorities has strengthened his confidence in the ongoing negotiations for their release. He reiterated Ghana’s commitment to pursuing all diplomatic channels to ensure the safe return of its citizens.

The visit represents a crucial step in Ghana’s humanitarian diplomacy and reinforces the government’s resolve to protect the rights and welfare of its nationals abroad, regardless of the complexity of the circumstances.