The ban applies to both deceptive recruitment and voluntary enlistment
Ghanaian leadership has reached an agreement with Russian authorities to prohibit Ghanaian nationals from participating in military operations against Ukraine alongside the Russian army. Vladimir Putin made the commitment during bilateral talks with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama in Moscow. This was reported by Glavcom citing Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, according to the portal PromPolitInform.
The bilateral meeting between the leaders took place in the Russian capital following the conclusion of the third Russia–Africa Summit held on October 28–29. During the discussions, the Ghanaian head of state voiced serious concerns over the recruitment of his citizens into the war against Ukraine, after which the Kremlin leader pledged an absolute ban under any circumstances.
Prior to visiting Moscow, John Dramani Mahama addressed the Financial Times Africa Summit in London, stating his intention to push the Russian leadership toward a ceasefire. Directly at the Moscow gathering, he welcomed indications of readiness from the Russian side to resume trilateral talks regarding the war.
Energy and Defence Agreements
Beyond the recruitment issue, the Ghanaian delegation reached several economic and security arrangements with Moscow. Among them is a joint initiative to construct a nuclear power plant with a generation capacity of 2,000 MW.
The two sides also entered into a new defence pact aimed at procuring strategic military assets for the Armed Forces of Ghana. Furthermore, the partners intend to broaden agricultural trade in grain production and fertiliser supplies, as well as increase scholarship quotas for Ghanaian students enrolled in Russian universities.
Foreign Enlistment in Russian Forces
According to findings by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine, Russian recruiters employed deceptive tactics against foreign nationals that constitute human trafficking. The victims identified represent dozens of men originating from at least 29 countries.
Data compiled by the I Want to Live project indicates that nearly 29,000 foreign citizens have enlisted with the Russian armed forces since 2022, with captives from 55 different nations currently held in Ukrainian custody. Facing diplomatic pressure and media scrutiny, Moscow has paused recruiting activities across 39 African and Asian states, including China, India, Egypt, and Kenya.
In February, the Office of the President of Ukraine reported that 272 Ghanaian nationals were deployed with Russian units. Later, it emerged that 62 Ghanaians had been killed in action and another 15 were missing, while Russian officials continue to deny coercive practices and insist enlistment remains voluntary.
Photo: Міністерство закордонних справ Гани
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