The Russian of the Russian Federation, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, has given an assurance to President John Dramani Mahama that Ghanaian nationals will no longer be permitted to take part in the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
This was disclosed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs following worries expressed by President Mahama over the enlistment of Ghanaians in the war, which has led to the death of many citizens.
In a post shared on Facebook on Monday, November 2, the Ministry noted that the pledge was made during the recently concluded Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow, held from October 28 to 29, 2026. The Ministry said President Putin made it clear that the ban covers every form of involvement, including enlistment through unlawful means and voluntary participation.
“After President Mahama raised concerns, President Putin has stated that Ghanaians will no longer be allowed to be part of the war with Ukraine.
“This directive applies under all situations, whether through irregular recruitment or voluntary offers,” the Ministry said.
The assurance comes at a time of rising alarm over the enlistment of Ghanaians into the Russian army, with reports that some were enticed with promises of well-paid jobs before being sent to the frontline in Ukraine. On August 17, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa revealed that around 62 Ghanaians had lost their lives in the conflict, with 15 others unaccounted for.
Earlier in July, the Minister had indicated that about 272 Ghanaians were thought to have been enlisted to fight in the war since 2022.
At that point, 55 fatalities had been confirmed, while two Ghanaians were in captivity as prisoners of war.
