Putin Assures Mahama That Ghanaians Will No Longer Participate in Russia-Ukraine War
Russian President Vladimir Putin has assured President John Dramani Mahama that Ghanaians will no longer be permitted to participate in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine, according to Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The assurance follows concerns raised by President Mahama over the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals into the conflict, which has reportedly claimed the lives of dozens of Ghanaians.
In a Facebook post on Monday, 2nd November, the Ministry said the commitment was made during the Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow from 28th to 29th October 2026.
According to the Ministry, the restriction covers all forms of participation in the war, including recruitment through irregular channels and voluntary enlistment.
“Following concerns raised by President Mahama, President Putin has declared that Ghanaians are no longer allowed to participate in the war with Ukraine. This policy applies to all circumstances, whether through irregular recruitments or expression of voluntary interests,” the Ministry stated.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the recruitment of Ghanaians into the Russian military. Some nationals are reportedly lured by promises of lucrative employment before being deployed to fight in Ukraine.
On 17th August 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that approximately 62 Ghanaians had died in the conflict, while 15 others were reported missing. The Minister had earlier indicated in July that about 272 Ghanaians were believed to have been recruited to fight in the war since 2022. At the time, 55 deaths had been recorded, while two Ghanaians were reportedly being held as prisoners of war.
