The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that the government has launched investigations into alleged criminal recruitment networks following reports that 272 Ghanaian nationals were drafted into the Russia-Ukraine conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes.
Addressing a press conference on Monday, July 27, 2026, the Minister disclosed that 55 of the reported cases involved Ghanaians who have died, while two others are currently being held as prisoners of war.
Mr Ablakwa noted that details from his recent visit to Kyiv indicate the recruitment forms part of a wider pattern affecting multiple African nations.
“It is estimated that about 1,780 African nationals from 36 countries have joined Russian forces,” he said.
He explained that victims responded to job advertisements for positions in construction, hospitality, logistics, and security services, only to be drafted into the armed conflict instead.
The Foreign Ministry is collaborating with foreign authorities to verify the identities and welfare of affected citizens while domestic security agencies work to dismantle the networks.
“The Mahama Administration is committed to tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes operating within our jurisdiction. This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others,” Mr Ablakwa stated.
He added that public education efforts have been intensified to ensure prospective migrants verify foreign job offers before travelling.
According to the Minister, these incidents highlight broader challenges surrounding 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.
Outlining recent consular interventions, Mr Ablakwa highlighted the voluntary repatriation of 638 Ghanaians from Libya through humanitarian return operations, alongside 244 nationals brought back from Cambodia after falling victim to cyber-enabled employment scams.
He further raised concerns over alleged trafficking networks linked to the QNET scheme in West Africa, revealing that 61 Ghanaians have been rescued from Côte d’Ivoire since January 2026, with 45 repatriated and an additional 315 returning home following enforcement actions by Ivorian authorities.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
