Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held high-level talks with President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, focusing on humanitarian concerns, bilateral cooperation, and the protection of Ghanaian citizens.
Appeal for Release of Detained Ghanaians
The meeting, which took place in Kyiv, centred on Ghana’s appeal for the release of two Ghanaian nationals currently being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the engagement was driven purely by humanitarian considerations.
“Our engagement 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.
The development comes amid growing global concern over foreign nationals caught up in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict. Ghana has consistently reiterated its commitment to ensuring the safety and rights of its citizens abroad.
Combating Human Trafficking Networks
Beyond the immediate humanitarian request, both sides discussed collaborative strategies to combat human trafficking networks that reportedly lure vulnerable African youth with false promises of employment and better opportunities, only for them to end up exposed to danger in conflict zones.
The talks explored intelligence-sharing mechanisms and preventive measures to dismantle such exploitative networks.
Strengthening Ghana–Ukraine Relations
Hon. Ablakwa conveyed the appreciation of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana to President Zelenskyy for ensuring that the rights of the detained Ghanaians are protected in accordance with international law.
In a significant diplomatic development, President Zelenskyy extended a formal invitation to President Mahama to visit Ukraine, as Kyiv seeks to strengthen and elevate diplomatic relations with Accra.
Both leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, defence, education, and trade — signalling a new phase in Ghana–Ukraine relations.
“Every Ghanaian Life Matters”
Expressing optimism about the negotiations, Hon. Ablakwa noted that progress is being made toward safeguarding the lives and rights of Ghanaian citizens abroad.
He reaffirmed the government’s unwavering commitment to protecting Ghanaians globally, stressing that “every Ghanaian life matters to the Mahama Administration.”
As diplomatic engagements continue, many Ghanaians will be watching closely for updates on the fate of the detained nationals and the broader implications of this high-level dialogue.
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