Russian President Vladimir Putin has agreed to halt the recruitment of Ghanaians to fight in the ongoing war in Ukraine, following concerns raised by President John Dramani Mahama, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister has said.

The agreement follows diplomatic engagement between Ghana and Russia over the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals into the conflict.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the commitment following talks between President Mahama and Putin on October 30, 2026, on the sidelines of the just ended Russia-Africa Summit.

In a social media post on Saturday, October 31, Ablakwa said the Russian leader had declared that Ghanaians would no longer be allowed to participate in the war under any circumstances, whether through irregular recruitment arrangements or 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 in all circumstances, whether through irregular recruitment or the expression of voluntary interest," Ablakwa wrote.

The agreement comes amid growing concerns over reports that Ghanaian nationals have been lured to Russia with promises of employment before being sent to fight in the war.

In July 2026, Okudzeto Ablakwa disclosed that 272 Ghanaians had reportedly been recruited into the conflict through fraudulent overseas employment schemes. At the time, 55 deaths and two cases of Ghanaians being held as prisoners of war had been reported.

The recent commitment follows earlier diplomatic engagements between Ghana and Russia aimed at addressing the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals and protecting young people from being drawn into the conflict.



MA