Member of Parliament Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has revealed that at least 200 Ghanaians have lost their lives in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, information he shared as part of calls for increased protection and support for Ghanaians abroad. The figure was disclosed in a statement as the war, which began in February 2022, continues to impact foreign nationals living and working in Ukraine.
Ablakwa, the MP for North Tongu, criticised what he described as a slow and insufficient response from the Ghanaian government in evacuating and assisting citizens caught up in the war, especially during the early stages of the invasion. He emphasised that many Ghanaians were living in Ukraine for education, business and family reasons when hostilities escalated and that the danger they faced was immediate and real.
According to Ablakwa, many Ghanaians were unable to leave conflict zones quickly when fighting intensified, leading to a number of deaths that he says could have been prevented with faster action. He argued that more should be done to account for and protect Ghanaian students and residents in areas affected by military operations.
The MP’s comments reignited debate about the responsibilities of governments to ensure the safety of their citizens abroad during times of international crisis. Ablakwa urged the Foreign Affairs Ministry and diplomatic missions to work more proactively with partners in Europe and Ukraine to track Ghanaian nationals and provide rapid assistance when needed.
His statement has drawn attention from civil society groups and Ghanaian families of those living overseas, with some expressing frustration and demanding clearer information about missing persons and efforts to secure their safety. Others have called for official tallies and support services for bereaved families.
The Russia-Ukraine war has affected millions of civilians and foreign nationals of many countries. Ghanaian students studying in Ukrainian universities and businesses operating in the region were among those disrupted when hostilities began, with evacuations mounted by several countries as the conflict spread.
Ablakwa’s remarks underline continuing concerns about the wellbeing of Ghanaians living in conflict zones and the need for ongoing diplomatic engagement and support systems for citizens facing crisis situations abroad.
