Ukraine has agreed to grant Ghana access to its prisoners of war upon a request by Ghanaian authorities.
Ghana commenced diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine on January 3, aimed at securing the release of a Ghanaian national held by the Ukrainians as a prisoner of war.
The national whose name is withheld was reportedly captured on the war front while working as a Russian mercenary.
Ukraine’s Foreign Minister, extending an invitation to his counterpart in Ghana, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that Ghana has put forward a formal request for the return of the citizen.
“We have noted Ghana’s concerns and request for the return of a Ghanaian citizen who was captured in a combat zone as a Russian mercenary. I reiterate my invitation to Ghana’s Foreign Minister to visit Ukraine in February 2026,” Andriy Sybiha, Ukraine’s Foreign Minister noted.
According to Sybiha, Ghanaian diplomats will be granted access to “prisoners of war upon their request” in accordance with international humanitarian law.
He further expressed Ukraine’s willingness to engage in discussions that fosters the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations.
On his part, Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Okudzeto Ablakwa said “the Ghanaian government will continue to prioritize the safety and welfare of all our citizens, regardless of how challenging it might be.”
Ukraine says it has captured more than 200 foreign soldiers from 37 countries fighting on the side of Russia in the ongoing conflict, while it accuses Russia of reportedly recruiting more than 18,000 foreign soldiers from Africa and Asia to boost its war efforts since it invaded Ukraine in 2022.
