Ukraine invites Ghana’s foreign minister and offers access to captured Ganaian mercenary who fought for Russia

Ukraine has responded to Ghana’s request concerning a citizen detained in Ukraine while fighting as a Russian mercenary, according to Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha. In a public message, Sybiha proposed that Ghana’s Foreign Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa visit Kyiv in February 2026 for direct talks.

Kyiv confirms diplomatic access in line with humanitarian law

Foreign Minister Sybiha published the announcement on 7 January via his official X account. He said Ukraine had “noted Ghana’s concerns and request for the return of a Ghanaian citizen who was captured in a combat zone as a Russian mercenary.” Sybiha reiterated his invitation to Ablakwa to visit Ukraine in February and added that the Ukrainian side stands ready to discuss the issue in a substantive manner.

According to Sybiha, Ghanaian diplomats will be granted access to the prisoner of war if they formally request it. He emphasized that access will be provided in accordance with international humanitarian law. Sybiha also noted that Ukraine looks forward to engaging with the Ghanaian side in a spirit of friendship and mutual respect.

Ukraine says over 1,400 Africans are fighting for Russia

The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry earlier called on African states to take urgent action to stop Russia’s recruitment schemes targeting young people across the continent. According to the Ministry, over 1,400 citizens of African countries are currently fighting for Russia in Ukraine. Many of them end up captured by Ukrainian forces.

On 7 January, Ukrainian troops captured a Ugandan citizen near Lyman in Donetsk Oblast. The man fought on the Russian side and claimed he signed a contract at gunpoint. Other captured fighters from Nigeria, Kenya, Senegal, and additional African countries have stated that Russians deceived them into signing contracts and then sent them to the front lines, where many did not survive.