Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to stop the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals to fight in the ongoing war against Ukraine following concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the development after bilateral talks between the two leaders on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow on October 30.
According to Mr Ablakwa, the commitment covers all forms of recruitment, including irregular enlistment and voluntary participation by Ghanaians in the conflict.
“Following concerns raised by President Mahama, President Putin has declared that Ghanaians are no longer allowed to participate in the war with Ukraine,” the minister stated in a post outlining the outcomes of the meeting.
The agreement comes amid growing concern over reports that Ghanaian nationals have been lured to Russia with promises of employment before being recruited into military service.
In August, Mr Ablakwa disclosed that 62 Ghanaians had died in the conflict, while 15 others were missing. Earlier information provided by Ukrainian authorities suggested that about 272 Ghanaians had been drawn into the war.
The latest commitment follows an earlier assurance from Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov that Moscow would end illegal recruitment of Ghanaians.
Beyond the recruitment issue, Ghana and Russia also agreed to deepen cooperation in several areas, including plans to develop a 2,000-megawatt nuclear power plant, a new defence agreement, agricultural support and increased scholarships for Ghanaian students.
The two countries are also expected to revive their Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.
