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Russian President Vladimir Putin has reportedly assured President John Dramani Mahama that Ghanaians will no longer be recruited or permitted to participate in the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed that the assurance followed concerns raised by President Mahama over the recruitment of Ghanaian nationals into the conflict, which has claimed the lives of dozens of citizens.
In a Facebook statement on Monday, November 2, 2026, the Ministry said the commitment was made during the Russia-Africa Summit held in Moscow from October 28 to 29, 2026.
According to the Ministry, President Putin indicated that the restriction would cover all forms of participation in the conflict, including recruitment through irregular channels and 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 to all circumstances, whether through irregular recruitments or expression of voluntary interests,” the Ministry stated.
The development comes amid growing concerns over the involvement of Ghanaian nationals in the Russian military, with reports that some were allegedly recruited through promises of lucrative employment opportunities before being deployed to fight in Ukraine.
On August 17, 2026, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that approximately 62 Ghanaians had died in the conflict, while 15 others remained missing.
The Minister had earlier revealed in July that an estimated 272 Ghanaians were believed to have been recruited to fight in the war since 2022.
At the time, 55 deaths had been recorded, while two Ghanaian nationals were reportedly being held as prisoners of war.
The latest announcement marks a diplomatic development in Ghana’s efforts to address the recruitment of its citizens into the Russia-Ukraine conflict and prevent further loss of lives.