Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has urged Ghana and 46 other countries to protect their citizens from being recruited by Russia to fight in the war against Ukraine.
Addressing the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York, Zelenskyy said nationals from 47 countries were involved in Russia’s war effort, including Ghana, India, Kenya, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Sudan.
He alleged that some foreign nationals were taken to Russia through “deception and tricks” before being sent to the battlefield.
“I want to speak directly to every representative of these 47 countries: You know what Russia is doing with your people, your citizens. Take care of them. And do not let them end up on another front,” he said.
Zelenskyy did not state how many Ghanaians were involved or provide details about their alleged recruitment.
His comments come amid Ghana’s own efforts to address the recruitment of its citizens into the conflict.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said in August that 62 Ghanaians had been killed and 15 remained missing in connection with the Russia-Ukraine war.
He said the government was working with Russian authorities to disrupt recruitment networks and prevent more Ghanaian youth from being drawn into the conflict.
“This is not our war, and it should not be claiming Ghanaian lives,” Ablakwa said.
