At least 62 Ghanaians have lost their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict, while another 15 remain missing, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
He also revealed that two Ghanaians are currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as prisoners of war, although negotiations for their release are progressing positively.
Mr Ablakwa made the disclosure on Monday, September 7, while warning Ghanaians, particularly the youth, against illegal recruitment agencies and human trafficking networks that lure unsuspecting people abroad with promises of better opportunities.
According to him, some of the recruitment networks have contributed to Ghanaians becoming involved in the Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The Minister said the government had intensified efforts to clamp down on illegal recruitment and human trafficking networks responsible for exploiting Ghanaians seeking opportunities abroad.
He urged young Ghanaians to exercise caution when approached with overseas employment opportunities, particularly those involving unclear recruitment arrangements.
”The Ministry reiterates its caution to Ghanaians particularly the youth to be conscious of the modus operandi of illegal recruitment agencies and human trafficking networks who promise greener pastures and lure the unsuspecting into various predicaments and nefarious schemes. It is a similar situation that has led to 62 Ghanaians losing their lives in the Russia-Ukraine conflict with another 15 missing. It is worth reminding that 2 Ghanaians are currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as prisoners of war even though negotiations for their release are progressing positively. The Government of Ghana has intensified efforts to clamp down on the illegal activities of these criminal networks,” he said.
The disclosure comes after the government raised concerns over the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals to fight in the Russia-Ukraine war.
Mr Ablakwa said the deaths and disappearances demonstrate the serious consequences of illegal recruitment schemes and the need for greater vigilance among Ghanaians seeking opportunities outside the country.