At Least 55 Ghanaian Nationals Killed in Russia-Ukraine War

At least 55 Ghanaian nationals have been killed in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war, according to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The figure represents one of the highest reported death tolls among African countries whose citizens have been drawn into the conflict.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed in a statement on X that approximately 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been recruited into the war since 2022. Of that number, an estimated 55 have died, while two have been captured as prisoners of war.

“Ukrainian authorities have revealed through credible intelligence gathering that they have documented 1,780 Africans from 36 countries who have been lured by criminal trafficking networks to join the war against Ukraine,” Ablakwa said during an official visit to Ukraine.

The minister described the situation as “depressing and frightening,” stressing that Ghana “cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics.”

Ghana now joins a growing list of African countries whose nationals have reportedly been recruited into the Russia-Ukraine conflict. Many individuals are said to have been enticed through deceptive offers, including promises of lucrative employment opportunities or skills training abroad.