Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzato Ablakwa, has announced that he has been granted rare access to a highly fortified security facility in Ukraine where prisoners of war are currently being detained.

The Minister expressed his gratitude to Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Andrii Sybiha for approving his request to visit two Ghanaian nationals held as prisoners of war.

Mr. Ablakwa confirmed that both citizens are alive and in stable condition, noting that their rights under international law have been duly respected by the Ukrainian authorities.

“I can confirm that our citizens are alive and well,” Mr. Ablakwa stated. “Their rights under international law have been commendably respected by Ukrainian authorities.”

He characterised the access as highly unusual, mentioning that Ukrainian officials informed him it was the first request of its kind from an African foreign minister.

“I appreciate that my request was quite unusual and the first of its kind from an African Foreign Minister,” he said, adding that this development reflects the cordial relations between Ghana and Ukraine.

According to the Minister, the visit marks a significant step forward in Ghana’s diplomatic efforts to secure the men's release. “This significant gesture gives me more confidence that our negotiations for their release will be successful,” he remarked.

For security reasons, the identities of the detainees have not been disclosed. However, Mr. Ablakwa revealed that both men expressed a strong desire to use their ordeal as a cautionary tale about the dangers of human trafficking networks operating across parts of Africa.

The two reportedly indicated their intention to speak out against trafficking schemes that lure vulnerable individuals into conflict zones under false pretences.