Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, undertook a high-stakes diplomatic mission to Eastern Europe, meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the Presidential Office in Kyiv to secure the release of two Ghanaian nationals currently detained as prisoners of war.
This meeting signifies a notable intensification of efforts by the Mahama administration to safeguard its citizens embroiled in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
The primary focus of the bilateral discussions was a formal humanitarian appeal for the release of the two detainees.
Although their identities remain undisclosed, Minister Ablakwa described the talks as fruitful.
He expressed optimism about the negotiations, reiterating the government’s commitment to prioritising Ghanaian lives. Beyond the immediate concern of the detainees, the leaders addressed the escalating security issue of international trafficking syndicates exploiting African youth.
”I have conveyed the gratitude of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of our citizens being held are protected as required under international law,” Ablakwa stated in a post on Facebook following the meeting.
Reports indicate that human trafficking networks have been targeting vulnerable youth with false promises, coercing them into combat roles.
Ghana and Ukraine have pledged to collaborate in dismantling these networks.
The visit also underscored a mutual desire to establish a robust long-term partnership, with agreements to strengthen ties in agriculture, defence, education, and trade.
President Zelenskyy extended an invitation to President Mahama for a potential state visit to Kyiv, aiming to formalise diplomatic relations.
Below is the post by the minister.
I was graciously hosted by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Ukraine earlier today.
We held fruitful discussions focused on Ghana’s appeal on humanitarian grounds for the release of two of our citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
Our bilateral talks explored how our two countries can effectively combat the threat posed by trafficking networks that lure vulnerable, unsuspecting youth from Africa only to end up risking their lives in the ongoing war.
I am optimistic that we shall be successful in our negotiations.
I have conveyed the gratitude of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of our citizens being held are protected as required under international law.
We further agreed to deepen our relations with strategic interventions outlined in agriculture, defence, education and trade.
President Zelenskyy has extended a formal invitation to President Mahama as Kyiv seeks to elevate its diplomatic ties with Accra.
Every Ghanaian life matters to the Mahama administration.
