At least 55 Ghanaians killed in Russia-Ukraine war, minister says
This is the highest number of confirmed casualties from a single African country in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Coverage by Political Leaning
See how different sides of the spectrum reported this story
Notable Quotes
"This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"The casualty figures were not just numbers, they represent human lives, the hope of many Ghanaian families and our nation."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"They are victims of manipulation, of disinformation, misinformation, of criminal trafficking networks."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"As a father, I live every day with a silent weight on my chest."
— Albert Nkrumah , Other
"We cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics. These are not just numbers, they represent human lives, the hope of many Ghanaian families and our nation."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"We clearly see that Russia is trying to drag African citizens into a deadly war."
— Andrii Sybiha , Politician
"They have no security background. They have no military background. They have not been trained."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"detailed discussions on how Russia is recruiting citizens of Ghana and other African countries to take part in the war against Ukraine."
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy , Politician
"We are quite optimistic that this visit will be very successful and that in my later discussions with President Zelensky, he will be magnanimous and compassionate and on humanitarian grounds release these two Ghanaians to us."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"The Russians are dragging Ghanaians to their deaths, while Ukraine offers cooperation for the sake of life."
— Andriy Sybiha , Politician
"As a responsible government, we cannot turn a blind eye to these heartbreaking statistics."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"We were informed that 272 Ghanaians are believed to have been lured into battle since 2022 for which an estimated 55 have been killed and 2 captured as prisoners of war."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"This is not our war and we cannot allow our youth to become human shields for others."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
"the government was 'committed to tracking and dismantling all dark web illegal recruitment schemes' operating within its jurisdiction."
— Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa , Politician
Key People
He is the father of Joshua Nkrumah.
Andrii Sybiha is Ukraine's Foreign Minister.
Ukrainian Foreign Minister advocating for a boycott of the opening ceremony.
He is the Foreign Minister of Ukraine.
Duduzile Zuma-Sambudla is the daughter of former South African President Jacob Zuma and a former Member of Parliament.
He is a Ghanaian citizen detained in Ukraine.
Ronald Lamola is South Africa's Foreign Minister.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa is Ghana's Foreign Minister.
President of Ukraine who attended a summit in Yerevan.
Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the President of Ukraine, known for his efforts to secure international support amid the ongoing conflict with Russia.
Tags
All Coverage
This is the highest number of confirmed casualties from a single African country in the Ukraine-Russia war.
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reports that 55 Ghanaians have been killed fighting in Ukraine, with two others held as prisoners of war. He urges the government to address the issue of illegal recruitment schemes.
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reveals that 55 Ghanaians have been killed in Ukraine, with 272 believed to have been recruited since 2022. He emphasizes the government's commitment to dismantling illegal recruitment networks.
Ukraine accuses Russia of recruiting over 1,700 Africans from 36 countries to fight in the war, with Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighting the deceptive recruitment tactics used.
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa visits Kyiv and urges President Volodymyr Zelensky to release two Ghanaian prisoners of war captured fighting for Russia.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reports that 55 Ghanaians have died fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with 272 Ghanaians recruited since 2022. He emphasizes the government's commitment to dismantling illegal recruitment schemes.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reports that 55 Ghanaians ... with 272 Ghanaians recruited since 2022. He emphasizes the government's commitment to dismantling illegal recruitment schemes.
Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto ... reports that 55 Ghanaians ... been killed fighting for Russia in Ukraine, with 272 Ghanaians recruited since 2022. He emphasizes the government's commitment to dismantling illegal recruitment schemes.
Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa reports that 55 Ghanaians have been killed in Ukraine, with 272 believed to have been recruited since 2022. He calls for intensified public education campaigns to protect youth from illegal recruitment schemes.
Reports indicate that over 1,780 Africans from 36 countries, including 55 Ghanaians, have been recruited to fight for Russia in Ukraine. Ghana's Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa calls for increased awareness and action against illegal recruitment.
Similar Stories
Related coverage based on topic and tags
Ukrainian strikes kill six in Russia, acting governor says
A 14-year-old child was among four others injured, the acting governor of Russia's Belgorod region says.
August 17, 2026 at 05:38 AMFive killed as Russia launches fresh aerial attacks across Ukraine
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky accuses Russia of targeting civilian infrastructure, while Moscow reports that a warehouse was hit.
August 16, 2026 at 10:52 AMAt least 25 killed in attack on Nigeria's Plateau amid reprisal fears - Reuters
At least 25 killed in attack on Nigeria's Plateau amid reprisal fears Reuters
August 18, 2026 at 12:07 PMZimbabwean boat accident death toll rises to 68 as more bodies recovered - Reuters
Zimbabwean boat accident death toll rises to 68 as more bodies recovered Reuters
August 15, 2026 at 04:14 PMCentral African Republic artisanal gold mine collapses, killing more than 100 - Reuters
Central African Republic artisanal gold mine collapses, killing more than 100 Reuters
August 19, 2026 at 05:48 PMRussian missile attack kills 10 in northeast Ukraine, Zelenskiy vows response - Reuters
Russian missile attack kills 10 in northeast Ukraine, Zelenskiy vows response Reuters
August 18, 2026 at 12:37 PM