Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that two Ghanaian citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine are alive and in good condition following an unprecedented visit to a high-security detention facility.
The minister disclosed that he was granted rare access to the fortified camp where the detainees are being held in Ukraine. According to him, the visit followed direct engagements with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha.
“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well,” Mr. Ablakwa said. “Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities.”
He described the access as unusual, noting that Ukrainian officials informed him it was the first such request from an African foreign minister. “I appreciate that my request was quite unusual and the first of its kind from an African Foreign Minister,” he stated, adding that the gesture reflects the cordial relations between Ghana and Ukraine.
The minister said the development strengthens Ghana’s ongoing diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the two men. “This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.
The identities of the detainees have not been disclosed for security reasons. However, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that both men expressed a desire to use their experience to warn others about the dangers posed by human trafficking networks operating across parts of Africa.
The two reportedly indicated their determination to advocate against trafficking schemes that lure vulnerable individuals into conflict zones under false pretences.
Ghana continues diplomatic negotiations aimed at securing their safe return.
