Ablakwa confident of breakthrough in talks to free Ghanaians in Ukraine

The Minister’s optimism follows what diplomatic sources describe as a significant breakthrough — his rare, high-level access to the facility where the two Ghanaians are being held as prisoners of war.

“This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” Mr. Ablakwa stated after the visit.

Diplomatic Window Opens

The visit, granted by Ukrainian authorities at the highest level, is being interpreted within diplomatic circles as more than symbolic. By permitting a sitting African Foreign Minister to access a wartime detention facility, Kyiv signalled openness to structured engagement on the fate of the detainees.

Mr. Ablakwa thanked President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha for approving the unusual request — a move Ukrainian officials reportedly described as unprecedented from an African foreign ministry.

Analysts say such access strengthens Ghana’s negotiating leverage, particularly as discussions now move from consular verification to concrete arrangements for release.

Legal and Humanitarian Dimensions

While details of the negotiation framework remain undisclosed, officials indicate that Ghana’s engagement is anchored on international humanitarian law and the rights of prisoners of war.

The Foreign Minister confirmed that the two detainees are alive and that their rights under international law have been respected — a key foundation for continued diplomatic dialogue.

Behind the scenes, the process is expected to involve legal clarifications regarding the circumstances under which the two Ghanaians were recruited, the nature of their involvement in the conflict, and possible humanitarian considerations that could justify repatriation.

A Message from the Detainees

In a development that may influence the tone of the negotiations, the Minister revealed that the two men — whose identities remain withheld — have expressed remorse and a desire to help combat trafficking networks that lure vulnerable Africans into foreign conflicts.

According to Mr. Ablakwa, they are prepared to dedicate their lives to educating young Africans about the dangers of deceptive recruitment schemes.

Diplomatic observers suggest that such declarations could strengthen humanitarian appeals for clemency or negotiated release.

Ghana’s Broader Foreign Policy Posture

The negotiations also test Ghana’s diplomatic agility in navigating a complex geopolitical theatre, as the Russia–Ukraine conflict continues to reshape global alliances.

By securing high-level engagement with Kyiv while focusing squarely on citizen protection, Accra appears to be carefully balancing humanitarian advocacy with its long-standing principles of non-alignment and respect for international law.

For now, the Foreign Affairs Ministry is maintaining discretion as talks continue. But with direct ministerial access achieved and diplomatic channels firmly open, expectations are rising that a breakthrough may not be far off.

The coming weeks will determine whether this rare diplomatic opening translates into the safe return of the two Ghanaian nationals.