Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, held high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, with discussions centering on the humanitarian appeal for the release of two Ghanaian citizens currently being held as prisoners of war.
The Minister disclosed the development in a statement following the meeting, describing the engagement as productive and focused on protecting the welfare of Ghanaian nationals caught in the conflict.
“We held fruitful discussions focused on Ghana’s appeal on humanitarian grounds for the release of two of our citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine,” the Minister stated.
Beyond the immediate humanitarian concerns, the bilateral talks also addressed the growing threat of trafficking networks accused of luring vulnerable African youth into war zones.
“Our bilateral talks explored how our two countries can effectively combat the threat posed by trafficking networks who lure vulnerable unsuspecting youth from Africa only to end up risking their lives in the ongoing war,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa expressed confidence in the ongoing diplomatic efforts, noting optimism in the said negotiations.
He further conveyed Ghana’s appreciation to the Ukrainian leadership for safeguarding the rights of the detained citizens.
“I have conveyed the gratitude of President Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of our citizens being held are protected as required under international law,” the statement indicated.
The meeting also paved the way for expanded cooperation between Ghana and Ukraine, with both sides agreeing to strengthen relations across multiple sectors.
“We further agreed to deepen our relations with strategic interventions outlined in agriculture, defence, education and trade,” the Minister revealed.
In a notable diplomatic gesture, President Zelenskyy extended a formal invitation to President John Dramani Mahama as Kyiv moves to enhance its diplomatic engagement with Accra.
The Foreign Minister affirmed the government’s position on citizen protection, with every Ghanaian life paramount to the Mahama administration.
