Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has formally requested Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian nationals held in Ukraine after they were captured while fighting alongside Russian troops. During a joint press conference with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andriy Sybiha, Ablakwa expressed Ghana's solidarity with Ukraine as the conflict approaches its fourth year and called for a ceasefire. He emphasized that many Africans fighting for Russia are victims of deception, lured by promises of legitimate jobs before being thrust into combat situations.

Ablakwa also announced that Ghana will initiate awareness campaigns against human trafficking networks that exploit African youth during its upcoming presidency of the African Union, with a focus on ensuring the safe return of the detained Ghanaians. He reiterated that advocating for their release will remain a priority in discussions with Ukrainian leadership, aiming to highlight the plight of those misled into conflict.

The Ukrainian Foreign Minister noted that over 1,780 fighters from 36 African nations have been identified within Russian ranks, indicating a troubling trend of foreign involvement in the conflict. He warned that Russia is attempting to manipulate these individuals, underscoring the need for heightened awareness and action against such exploitation.