No Fighting Experiences but on Ukraine Frontlines: The dilemma of 14 Ghanaians deceived into Russia

A recent report by TV3 threw light on the plights of these men, revealing what began as a journey of hopes of a better future turned out to be their worst nightmares.

It added that the men left Ghana on June 24, 2024, bidding farewell to their families filled with dreams of a better future, travelling through Togo to reach Russia in anticipation and joy.

However, upon arrival, their dreams were dashed as they said they were whisked off to a city in Western Russia to sign an employment contract, which proved to be false.

The young men accused Abraham Boakye, popularly known as One Man Supporter, of betraying their trust, noting that they paid 130,000 rubles each with hopes of securing jobs.

“Abraham Boakye, he brought us here. He told us there is a job opportunity over here in Russia, which is security work and agriculture. So, we paid for our own plane ticket and visa fee. The military people brought us a contract to sign. Before, he told us it is a security work, but we will be trained by the military. So, when the military people came, we thought it was the training, that they are coming to train us. So, the day we were signing, he was not around; he was in Moscow, but we told him that they have brought us the contract to sign, should we sign? Because he is the one who brought us here. He said, sign, why, don’t you trust us?” one of the men is quoted to have said.

However, as they were later informed, they were being prepared for deployment to the frontlines of the war in Ukraine.

Three of the remaining survivors are now reportedly trapped in Ukraine, awaiting orders to the frontlines of the war.

“Two people said the commander said they are going to frontline of the war, so, they should prepare. Up till now, we have not heard from them. You can’t go out if you are going to the washroom; the security men follow you,” one of the men is quoted to have said.

The report further added that the passports of the men had been seized, and the group of 14 men who left Ghana have now been left with 3.

“Just yesterday, they came to take 2 people out of 3; we don’t know where they are taking them. Right now, as we are talking, we are in Donetsk; we are pleading with Ghanaians to get us out of here,” one of the stranded men is quoted to have said.

The men say they live in fear and are unsure who among them will be called next to fight on the frontlines of the war and are desperate to return home.

“We are in Ukraine. We don’t have any fighting training experience. We are pleading we want to return home. Where we sleep is not good,” another stranded man is quoted to have said.

Another young man also shared his concerns about his family back home.

“My family is in Accra. I have not told my mum about it because my mum is suffering from stroke and BP. If I should tell her about it, I know what will happen right now,” he said.

The group is calling on the public to assist them in escaping the perilous conditions they find themselves in.