More than 60 Ghanaians have reportedly been killed in the Russia-Ukraine war, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.
He said Ghana is also in talks with Ukrainian authorities to secure the release of three Ghanaian nationals who have been captured in connection with the conflict.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed this during a meeting with the Director-General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, on the sidelines of the 81st United Nations General Assembly in New York.
The Minister expressed concern about recruitment networks that target Ghanaians with promises of jobs and other opportunities abroad, only for some of them to end up being exposed to conflict, trafficking and exploitation.
He called for stronger measures to prevent such recruitment schemes and protect Ghanaians who travel abroad in search of opportunities.
Mr Ablakwa also criticised QNET and other recruitment schemes that he said put vulnerable Ghanaians at risk of human trafficking and other forms of abuse.
He praised the IOM for its work in supporting victims of trafficking and called for closer cooperation between Ghana and the organisation to deal with irregular migration and protect Ghanaians abroad.
As part of the government's efforts, he said Ghana is considering the creation of a Diaspora Fund to finance interventions to rescue and protect citizens who become victims of trafficking or deceptive recruitment.
According to him, a committee has already been set up to examine possible ways of funding the proposed initiative, including contributions from Ghanaians living abroad.
Mr Ablakwa also asked the IOM to provide technical support as Ghana develops the fund and works to strengthen its measures against human trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable migrants.
