Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has raised concerns over the recruitment of Ghanaians into the Russia-Ukraine war, revealing that more than 60 Ghanaian nationals have reportedly lost their lives in the conflict.
He also disclosed that Ghana is negotiating with Ukrainian authorities for the release of three Ghanaians who have been captured in connection with the war.
Ablakwa made the disclosure during a meeting with the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
According to the Minister, the development highlights the need for stronger measures to protect Ghanaians from deceptive recruitment networks that exploit individuals seeking employment or opportunities abroad.
He also condemned the activities of QNET and other deceptive recruitment schemes, which he said expose Ghanaians to human trafficking, exploitation and other forms of abuse.
Ablakwa commended the IOM for its support to victims of trafficking and called for greater cooperation between Ghana and the organisation to strengthen the country’s response to irregular migration and human trafficking.
As part of efforts to protect Ghanaians abroad, the Minister said the government is considering the establishment of a Diaspora Fund to support interventions aimed at rescuing and protecting citizens who fall victim to trafficking and deceptive recruitment.
He said a committee has already been established to explore possible funding mechanisms for the proposed fund, including contributions from members of the Ghanaian diaspora.
Ablakwa further called on the IOM to provide technical assistance as Ghana develops the framework for the fund and strengthens measures to prevent trafficking and protect vulnerable migrants.
The discussions formed part of Ghana’s engagements on the sidelines of UNGA81, with migration, human trafficking and the protection of Ghanaians abroad emerging as key areas of concern.
The Russia-Ukraine war, which began with Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, has involved nationals from several countries being recruited or otherwise drawn into the conflict.
Source: Starrfm.com.gh
