Russia to Stop Recruiting Ghanaians for Ukraine War

Russia has agreed to stop recruiting Ghanaian nationals to fight in its war against Ukraine following diplomatic discussions between Presidents Vladimir Putin and John Mahama. Accra said Putin gave the assurance during the Russia-Africa summit in Moscow, after Mahama raised concerns about the recruitment of Ghanaian citizens. Accra had previously accused recruiters of misleading citizens with promises of employment and other opportunities before sending them to the battlefield. By mid-August, more than 270 Ghanaians had reportedly fought for Russia, with at least 62 killed and another 15 missing. The proposed ban will cover both irregular recruitment and voluntary enlistment. Ghana is among several African countries, including Kenya, Nigeria, South Africa, Cameroon, and The Gambia, that have raised concerns about their citizens being recruited to fight in Ukraine.