Accra, August 18, 2026 — Ghana has formally requested that Russia cease the “illegal recruitment” of Ghanaian citizens to fight in the war against Ukraine, following revelations that dozens of its nationals have been killed on the battlefield.
Ghanaian Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa made the appeal during a press conference in Moscow on August 17, after holding talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. According to Ablakwa, 62 Ghanaian citizens have been confirmed dead in Ukraine, with an additional 15 still missing.
The announcement comes amid growing international concern over Moscow’s systematic recruitment of foreign fighters from Africa, Asia, and other regions of the Global South to bolster its forces in the ongoing full-scale invasion of Ukraine.
Lavrov Claims Recruitment Based on “Solidarity” and Financial Incentives
Speaking alongside Ablakwa at the press conference, Lavrov offered a defensive explanation for Russia’s recruitment practices, claiming that Ghanaian citizens had voluntarily signed contracts with Russia’s Defense Ministry.
“These individuals acted out of solidarity with a country that helped them fight racism, as well as for material and financial reasons,” Lavrov stated, according to Russian media reports.
The Russian foreign minister also noted that his country’s Defense Ministry has received similar requests from other nations and has established “a special body that reviews these requests.”
Rising Death Toll Sparks Alarm
The disclosure of 62 Ghanaian casualties has intensified scrutiny of Russia’s foreign recruitment efforts. Ukraine’s military intelligence agency (HUR) reported in April that Moscow plans to recruit over 18,500 foreigners into its armed forces during 2026.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha further revealed in February that at least 1,780 citizens from various African countries are known to be fighting for Russia.
Broader Concerns Over Deceptive Recruitment Tactics
The Ghanaian appeal highlights a growing pattern of concern among nations whose citizens have been targeted for recruitment. Several countries have raised alarms over what they describe as “deceptive recruitment schemes” employed by Russian operatives.
Botswana recently issued an official warning about such practices, and other governments have expressed fears that their nationals are being misled about the nature of their service, with many reportedly coerced into active combat roles after being promised non-combat positions or administrative work.
Moscow Intensifies Propaganda Campaign Across Africa
Russia has significantly expanded its propaganda operations across African countries since the onset of its full-scale invasion in 2022. Recruitment efforts have been accompanied by promises of financial benefits, Russian citizenship, and appeals to historical ties dating back to the Soviet era’s support for anti-colonial movements.
Diplomatic Path Forward
Despite the tensions, Ablakwa struck a diplomatic tone following his meeting with Lavrov, stating that the two ministers had agreed to collaborate on resolving the issue.
“We agreed to work together toward resolving the issue,” Ablakwa said, though he provided no specific details about what mechanisms might be implemented to prevent further recruitment of Ghanaian citizens.
The talks in Moscow mark an important diplomatic effort by Ghana to protect its citizens while maintaining relations with Russia, a country that has cultivated increasingly close ties with several African nations in recent years.
As the war in Ukraine approaches its fifth year, the recruitment of foreign fighters remains a contentious issue, with both Ukraine and Russia employing international volunteers, though Moscow’s systematic efforts have drawn particular criticism from affected nations.
