Ghana Moves to Free Citizen Held as POW in Ukraine—Ablakwa Leads Diplomatic Effort
Source: Graphiconline
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, has confirmed that Ghana has started diplomatic talks with Ukraine to get a Ghanaian citizen who is currently being held as a prisoner of war released. The Ukrainian government officially told Ghana about the person’s arrest and gave identifying information that has been confirmed by Ghanaian officials. Records show that the Ghanaian went to Moscow on July 7, 2024. There, he joined the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment and later fought near Zaporizhzhia before being caught by Ukrainian forces. Mr. Ablakwa has met with Ivan Lukachuk, Ukraine’s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, to ask for the release of the detainee. He has also sent a formal message to Kyiv and plans to go to Ukraine himself to negotiate his freedom. He said that Ghana is against any attempt to include the citizen in a possible prisoner-of-war exchange because of safety concerns. He also said that Ghana’s strong ties with Ukraine and support for peace will help the process. The Minister also warned Ghanaian youth about criminal networks that recruit people and traffic people across borders to fight in foreign wars. He stressed the high risks involved and repeated the Mahama administration’s promise to protect the safety and well-being of all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad.
