Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has held high-level talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv, appealing on humanitarian grounds for the release of two Ghanaian citizens being held as prisoners of war in Ukraine.
In a Facebook post on Wednesday, the minister disclosed that discussions with President Zelenskyy focused primarily on securing the freedom of the two Ghanaians, who were captured in connection with the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict.
Ablakwa expressed optimism about the outcome of the negotiations, stating that he had conveyed the gratitude of President John Dramani Mahama and the Government of Ghana for ensuring that the rights of the detained citizens are being protected in accordance with international law.
The Foreign Affairs Minister also raised concerns about trafficking networks that lure vulnerable African youth abroad with false promises, only for them to end up involved in the war.
He said both countries explored ways to combat such criminal operations.
Beyond the humanitarian discussions, Ghana and Ukraine agreed to deepen bilateral relations, with strategic cooperation outlined in agriculture, defence, education and trade.
President Zelenskyy has extended a formal invitation to President Mahama as Kyiv seeks to strengthen diplomatic ties with Accra.
The two Ghanaians are believed to be among foreign nationals who were drawn into the conflict under questionable circumstances.
Ghana has in recent months intensified diplomatic efforts to ensure the safety and possible repatriation of its citizens caught up in the war.