The two Ghanaians have been held as prisoners in Ukraine
The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that the two Ghanaians held as prisoners of war in Ukraine are alive and in good health.
This update follows a rare visit to the highly fortified security camp where they are being detained.
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In a statement on Thursday, February 26, 2026, Ablakwa expressed gratitude to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for granting him access to the prisoners, describing the gesture as “the first of its kind from an African Foreign Minister.”
“Last night, I was given rare access to the highly fortified security camp where prisoners of war are being held in Ukraine. I thank President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for granting my request to visit the two Ghanaian prisoners of war,” he said.
According to the minister, the Ghanaian citizens’ rights under international law have been “commendably respected” by the Ukrainian authorities, a development he says strengthens the ongoing negotiations for their eventual release.
“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities,” he disclosed.
Ablakwa revealed that the two Ghanaians, whose identities are being withheld for security reasons, expressed a determination to become advocates against trafficking networks, pledging to educate vulnerable Africans on how to avoid similar predicaments in the future.
“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he indicated.
“It is refreshing to hear our two compatriots, identities concealed for good reason, say that they are determined to become advocates against the modus operandi of trafficking networks and are willing to devote the rest of their lives to educating vulnerable Africans on how to avoid such predicaments,” he concluded.
Background
Ukraine officially confirmed that Ghanaian nationals captured on the battlefield while fighting Russian forces are being held as prisoners of war.
This was highlighted during the historic visit of Ghana’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to Kyiv.
Okudzeto Ablakwa held talks with his Ukrainian counterpart, Andrii Sybiha, on Wednesday, February 25, 2026.
Ghanaian nationals confirmed as prisoners of war in Ukraine
“We also discussed the issue of Ghanaian PoWs captured while fighting for the aggressor,” he shared on his X page after the meeting.
Andrii Sybiha urged African leaders to take proactive measures to prevent the recruitment of their citizens into Russia’s army.
MAG/MA
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