Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that two Ghanaian citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine are alive and in good condition after he was granted access to a high-security detention facility.
Mr. Ablakwa disclosed that the visit followed direct engagements with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha, who facilitated the rare access to the fortified camp where the detainees are being held.
“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well,” Mr. Ablakwa said. “Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities.”
He described the access as highly unusual, noting that Ukrainian officials informed him it was the first request of its kind from an African foreign minister.
“I appreciate that my request was quite unusual and the first of its kind from an African Foreign Minister,” he stated, adding that the development reflects the cordial relations between Ghana and Ukraine.
According to the minister, the visit marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s diplomatic efforts to secure the men’s release.
“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he said.
For security reasons, the identities of the detainees have not been disclosed. However, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that both men expressed a strong desire to use their ordeal as a cautionary tale about the dangers of human trafficking networks operating across parts of Africa.
The two reportedly indicated their intention to speak out against trafficking schemes that lure vulnerable individuals into conflict zones under false pretences.
Ghana continues to engage Ukrainian authorities through diplomatic channels in pursuit of their safe return.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh/Fred Duhoe
