UPDATE - Ukraine warns Ghanaians against fighting for Russia

UPDATES WITH STATEMENT BY UKRAINE'S PRESIDENT AFTER MEETING GHANAIAN FOREIGN MINISTER

By Elena Teslova and Burc Eruygur

MOSCOW / ISTANBUL (AA) - Ukraine’s top diplomat warned Ghanaians Wednesday against joining Russian forces in the conflict in Ukraine, saying Moscow is recruiting African citizens to fight on its side.

Speaking in Kyiv during a meeting with his Ghanaian counterpart Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said, “The Russians are dragging Ghanaians to their deaths, while Ukraine offers cooperation for life, opportunities in education and mutually beneficial projects.”

Sybiha also discussed strengthening political dialogue and economic cooperation between Ukraine and Ghana. He described Ghana as a strategic partner in West Africa and said Ukraine is ready to establish a food grain hub on its territory to support global stability.

He praised Ghana’s consistent support for Ukraine’s sovereignty, particularly its vote in favor of the UN General Assembly resolution “Support for a Sustainable Peace in Ukraine.”

The meeting reflects Kyiv’s effort to deepen ties with African nations while countering Russian influence in the region.

The Ghanaian foreign minister later held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who said they discussed specific areas to advance their partnership, including agriculture and defense cooperation.

“Ghana will chair the African Union next year, and it is important that we make the most of this period to strengthen ties between Ukraine and Africa,” Zelenskyy said in a statement on the US social media platform X following the meeting.