Ghana has launched investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks after 272 Ghanaian nationals were reported to have been drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict throug
The report indicates that ghana has launched investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks after 272 Ghanaian nationals were reported to have been drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
It further notes that the Government is also engaging foreign authorities to establish the identities and welfare of the affected Ghanaians and provide consular assistance where appropriate.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Minister for Foreign Affairs, announced the measures at a media briefing in Accra on Monday on recent consular developments and Ghana’s diplomatic engagements.
He stated 55 of the reported cases involved Ghanaians who had died, while two others were being held as prisoners of war.
Mr Ablakwa stated information gathered during his recent visit to Kyiv suggested that the recruitment of Ghanaians formed part of a broader pattern involving nationals of several African countries.
“It is estimated that about 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries have joined Russian forces,” he said.
The Minister stated many of the affected Ghanaians had responded to employment advertisements for jobs in construction, hospitality, logistics and security services but were instead allegedly recruited into the conflict.
He stated the Ministry was working with the relevant foreign authorities to verify the identities and welfare of the affected Ghanaians, while domestic security agencies investigated the alleged recruitment networks.
Mr Ablakwa stated the Government had intensified public education to encourage prospective migrants to verify overseas employment opportunities before travelling.
He stated the reported cases formed part of a broader challenge involving fraudulent overseas recruitment, human trafficking and irregular migration.
“Criminal networks continue to exploit vulnerable Ghanaians through false promises of employment, education and business opportunities abroad, exposing many to trafficking, forced labour, cyber-enabled criminal activities and other forms of exploitation,” he said.
Mr Ablakwa stated the Government had strengthened cooperation among national security agencies, international partners and Ghana’s diplomatic missions to improve prevention, rescue, repatriation and public awareness.
He urged prospective migrants to verify all overseas employment opportunities before making travel arrangements.
The Minister outlined recent consular interventions undertaken by the Government, including the voluntary repatriation of 638 Ghanaian nationals from Libya through humanitarian return operations conducted with the International Organisation for Migration, the Libyan authorities and Ghana’s Embassy in Tripoli.
