Ghana Reports 55 Citizens Killed in Ukraine War After Being Deceived Into Fighting

Ghana's foreign minister revealed that 55 Ghanaian citizens have died in Ukraine's conflict after being tricked into joining Russian forces. The disclosure comes as multiple African nations report their citizens being lured to Russia with false job promises, only to end up fighting on the frontlines.

Ghana’s foreign minister has disclosed that 55 of the country’s citizens have perished in Ukraine’s ongoing conflict after being deceived into combat roles, following his recent diplomatic visit to Kyiv where the recruitment of African nationals was discussed.

In recent months, there have been increasing reports of African men being enticed to Russia with false employment opportunities, only to find themselves deployed to Ukraine’s battlefields, straining diplomatic relationships between Moscow and several African nations.

Russian officials have rejected claims of illegally conscripting African citizens for military service in Ukraine.

Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa wrote on X Thursday evening: “We were informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022 for which an estimated 55 have been killed and 2 captured as prisoners of war.”

During a Tuesday press conference, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, appearing with Ablakwa, stated that over 1,780 Africans from 36 nations are currently “fighting in the Russian army.”

Ghana, which maintains economic and diplomatic relationships with Russia, plans to increase public awareness about recruitment tactics and eliminate “dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction,” Ablakwa stated in his social media post.

“This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” he declared.

South Africa announced this week that two of its nationals had perished in the conflict zone.

These casualties are distinct from a separate group of 17 South Africans who were deceived into fighting for Russia in Ukraine and have largely been brought home, according to South Africa’s foreign ministry statement.

A Kenyan intelligence assessment indicates that over 1,000 Kenyans have been enlisted to fight for Russia.

Kenya’s foreign ministry reported that 27 Kenyan nationals have been rescued after becoming stranded in Russia.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi announced plans to travel to Russia in March for discussions regarding this matter.