The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has confirmed that two Ghanaian citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine are alive and in good condition after gaining rare access to a fortified detention facility.
The Minister stated that he was granted entry to the high-security camp on Tuesday night following a formal request to the Ukrainian authorities and expressed his appreciation to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba for approving the visit.
“I was given rare access to the highly secured facility where the prisoners of war are being held,” Mr Ablakwa said.
“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well. The Ukrainian authorities have respected their rights under international law.”
According to the Minister, the request was unusual, and he was informed that it was the first time an African Foreign Minister had sought such access.
“I am deeply grateful that our request was granted. It speaks to the cordial relations between our two countries,” he said.
He added that the visit has strengthened his confidence in the ongoing negotiations for their release and given him greater assurance that the discussions will produce positive results.
Mr Ablakwa also revealed that the two detainees, whose identities remain undisclosed for security reasons, expressed a desire to use their experience to caution others.
“They expressed their determination to speak out against trafficking networks that exploit vulnerable African youth and are committed to dedicating their lives to educating others to prevent anyone else from falling into this trap,” he noted.
The Minister is in Ukraine as part of diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the two Ghanaians and to deepen bilateral engagement between Accra and Kyiv.
Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD
