Ghana News

African Men Lured to Russia with Fake Jobs, Forced into Ukraine War Frontlines – Report

Published

2 months ago

February 4, 2026

In a disturbing exposé highlighting the human cost of Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, dozens of African men—many from Kenya—have been deceived through false job promises, only to be trafficked, conscripted into the Russian military, and deployed to deadly frontlines with minimal or no training.

The revelations, detailed in an exclusive Guardian investigation published on January 26, 2026, underscore a growing pattern of exploitation targeting vulnerable youth amid high unemployment across the continent.

According to the report, recruitment networks operating through local employment agencies in countries like Kenya posted enticing online adverts for civilian roles such as plumbing, security guarding, or other ordinary jobs in Russia. Promises included monthly salaries of around 100,000 Kenyan shillings (approximately £567 or $700 USD), covered airfare, and visa processing. Applicants, often desperate young men, paid upfront fees—such as 25,000 Kenyan shillings—to secure these “opportunities.”

Upon arrival in cities like St Petersburg, the deception unraveled. Victims reported having their luggage confiscated, being forced to wear black clothing, fingerprinted, and coerced into signing Russian-language contracts they could not understand. The next day, they were transported to military facilities for processing as official Russian soldiers, issued IDs, uniforms, and assault rifles. With little to no combat training, many were rushed to camps near the Ukraine border in Belgorod and then straight to active battle zones.

One Kenyan escapee, using the pseudonym Stephen Oduor (24), described the horror:

“I didn’t know how to shoot anything.” Recounting a drone attack, he said, “I just saw death … I knew this was the end of us.” After surviving, he reflected on the trauma: “When you see someone dying and his head falling off, that disturbs you. It disturbed me a lot.”

The scale is alarming. Kenya’s Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs estimates more than 200 Kenyan nationals may be caught up in the conflict. Ukraine’s foreign minister has reported over 1,400 fighters from 36 African countries serving with Russian forces, many held as prisoners of war. Similar cases involve men from Uganda, South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana, and beyond.

Evidence points to systemic mistreatment, including racist abuse. Footage cited in related reports shows black recruits derogatorily labeled “disposables” or “piece of coal,” with some allegedly used as “mayachki” (beacons) to draw enemy fire or even strapped with explosives in high-risk assaults.

Families left behind endure anguish. Susan Kuloba, whose son David sent a final voice message from the front, shared:

“In case of anything, you’ll get a call to inform you whether I’ll have died or I’ll be alive… I love you all very much.” She added, “What hurts is I don’t know whether he’s dead or alive.”

Kenya has repatriated 28 nationals since December 2025 and is engaging Russian and Ukrainian authorities for more releases. However, Russia’s foreign ministry and embassy in Nairobi have not responded to inquiries. Broader investigations, including from CNN and The Washington Post in early February 2026, confirm a “secret pipeline” exploiting youth unemployment and weak oversight of recruitment agencies.

This emerging crisis raises urgent questions about human trafficking, international accountability, and the exploitation of African migrants in foreign conflicts. As Russia’s war effort seeks to replenish depleted ranks, experts warn that without stronger safeguards, more vulnerable individuals could fall victim to similar schemes.

For those affected or with information, Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and regional embassies urge citizens to verify overseas job offers rigorously and report suspicious recruitment.

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Ghana News

EU Approves $23 Million Grant to Upgrade Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan Railway

Published

5 hours ago

April 10, 2026

GNG Staff

Accra, Ghana – The European Commission has approved a €20 million (a little over $23 million) grant to support the implementation of the European Train Control System (ETCS Level 1) on Ghana’s Tema-Mpakadan railway line, in a major boost to the country’s efforts to modernise its rail infrastructure and improve operational efficiency.

The 97-kilometre standard-gauge railway, commissioned in 2024 for US$449 million, has been operating significantly below capacity due to a non-functional signalling system.

This currently restricts operations to a single train movement at a time, limiting both passenger and freight services despite rising demand. Dr Frederick Appoh, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Railway Development Authority (GRDA), confirmed the grant approval following engagements at the recent EU-Africa Business Forum in Abidjan.

Ghana Announces Suspension of Taxes, Other Measures to Reduce Fuel Prices Amid Global Crisis

The funding follows the submission of an Aide Mémoire on sustainable transport four months ago. The project’s identification phase has now been completed, with formal approval granted in Brussels on March 27, 2026.

Implementation will proceed through several key stages, including a Quality Review Committee assessment in May 2026, validation by the NDICI Committee of EU Member States in September, and an expected EU Financing Decision in October, with first disbursements targeted for December 2026.

Once completed, the ETCS Level 1 system will enable safe multiple train operations through advanced supervision and movement authority. Dr Appoh said the upgrade will significantly improve capacity, reliability, safety, and overall utilisation of the line as a strategic national asset.

The project aligns with President John Dramani Mahama’s vision to revitalise the Volta Corridor and position Ghana’s railway sector as a key driver of economic growth and regional connectivity.

Ghana News

Prof Prempeh Slams Supreme Court, Police Officer Killed in Road Crash and Other Big Stories in Ghana Today

Published

6 hours ago

April 10, 2026

GNG Staff

We have curated the most relevant and impactful stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness.

Prof Prempeh Descends on Supreme Court and AG Over Suit Against OSP
Executive Director of the renowned think tank Center for Democratic Development, Ghana (CDD-Ghana), Prof. Henry Kwasi Prempeh, has launched a strong criticism of the Supreme Court and the Attorney-General’s Department over a suit filed against the Office of the Special Prosecutor (OSP). He described the legal action as an attempt to undermine the OSP’s independence and accused the judiciary and the AG of shielding corruption. Prof. Prempeh maintained that the move sets a dangerous precedent and weakens public confidence in anti-corruption institutions.
Read the full story here

Right Move, Wrong Timing – COMAC CEO Questions Govt’s Delay on Fuel Price Relief
The Chief Executive Officer of the Chamber of Oil Marketing Companies (COMAC) has described the government’s planned intervention to reduce fuel prices as “the right move” but criticized the timing as too slow. He noted that the delay is compounding hardship on consumers already struggling with the recent sharp increases in petrol and diesel prices. The CEO called on the government to act more swiftly to implement relief measures before the situation escalates further.
Read the full story here

Mahama Enforces Fuel Coupon Ban for Ministers as Cabinet Moves to Slash Fuel Taxes
President John Dramani Mahama has directed that all government ministers and political appointees stop using fuel coupons with immediate effect. The directive comes as the Cabinet considers slashing certain fuel taxes and levies to provide relief to consumers following the recent price surge. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to demonstrate leadership and sacrifice amid the current economic pressures caused by global fuel price increases.
Read the full story here

NRSA Stands Firm on Toyota Voxy Ban Despite Transport Operators’ Opposition
The National Road Safety Authority (NRSA) has maintained its ban on the use of Toyota Voxy vehicles for commercial transport operations, despite strong opposition from transport unions and operators. The Authority cited safety concerns and the vehicle’s unsuitability for commercial passenger services. It has given operators a grace period to comply or switch to approved vehicles, insisting that the decision is non-negotiable and aimed at protecting public safety.
Read the full story here

Police Officer Killed in Road Crash at Atortorkorpe in Ada
A police officer has been killed in a tragic road accident at Atortorkorpe in the Ada area of Greater Accra. The officer lost his life while on duty when the vehicle he was travelling in was involved in a crash. Police have commenced investigations into the circumstances surrounding the accident as colleagues mourn the loss of their fellow officer.
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Ex-Black Stars Player Accuses Family of Stealing His 8-Bedroom House
A former player of the Black Stars has accused members of his own family of allegedly stealing his eight-bedroom house. The ex-footballer claims the property was taken from him through fraudulent means while he was away. The case has sparked public interest and is currently under police investigation.
Read the full story here