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Ghana in Talks With Ukraine for Release of Ghanaian Held as Prisoner of War

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Ghana has begun high-level diplomatic negotiations with Ukraine to secure the release of a Ghanaian national currently being held by Ukrainian authorities as a prisoner of war, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has disclosed.

In a statement shared on Facebook, the minister said the Ukrainian government formally notified Ghana of the arrest and detention of the individual, whose name has been withheld. Ghanaian authorities have since verified the identity of the detainee through official channels.

According to evidence provided to the Government of Ghana, the man arrived in Moscow, Russia, on July 7, 2024, where records indicate he signed a contract to join the 2nd Assault Company of the 71st Motorized Rifle Regiment, part of Russiaโ€™s 42nd Motorized Rifle Division. He later took part in active hostilities in the Zaporizhzhia region of eastern Ukraine, a major flashpoint in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war.

Minister Ablakwa said he met on Tuesday with Ivan Lukachuk, Ukraineโ€™s Acting Ambassador to Ghana, to formally appeal for the Ghanaianโ€™s release. A special diplomatic message has also been sent to Kyiv as part of Ghanaโ€™s engagement efforts.

โ€œI am also scheduled to travel to Ukraine in the coming weeks to continue with negotiations for his release,โ€ the minister said, underscoring the urgency Ghana attaches to the matter.

Ghana Objects to POW Exchange Inclusion

Ghana has raised strong objections to the possibility of its citizen being included in a prisoner-of-war exchange between Ukraine and Russia, warning that such a move could expose him to heightened risk.

The government, Ablakwa noted, is hopeful that intense diplomatic engagement, Ghanaโ€™s cordial relations with Ukraine, and the countryโ€™s consistent advocacy for peace and a cessation of hostilities will help secure a humanitarian outcome.

Warning to Ghanaian Youth

Beyond the diplomatic efforts, the foreign affairs minister issued a public warning to Ghanaian youth, cautioning them against criminal recruitment and human trafficking networks that allegedly lure individuals into foreign conflicts, often through clandestine channels and the dark web.

โ€œPlease do not fall prey. It is extremely dangerous to get involved in any conflictโ€”you can be killed or captured,โ€ Ablakwa warned.

He reaffirmed that the Mahama administration remains committed to protecting the welfare of all Ghanaians, both at home and abroad.

โ€œThe Mahama administration will keep prioritizing the welfare of all Ghanaians and ensuring that no one is left in harmโ€™s way,โ€ he said.

The development places Ghana among a growing number of countries navigating complex diplomatic and legal challenges involving foreign nationals drawn into the Russia-Ukraine conflict under unclear or illicit recruitment circumstances.

Ghana News

Ghana Leads African Central Banks in Gold Reserve Accumulation as Global Buying Wave Hits $2 Billion

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Accra, Ghana โ€“ Ghana has emerged as one of the most active African central banks in the global gold accumulation surge, joining a broader shift by emerging market nations seeking to diversify reserves and shield economies from currency volatility and geopolitical risks.

According to the latest data, central banks worldwide purchased 27 tonnes of gold in February 2026, valued at approximately $2 billion.

While the bulk of demand continues to come from major players such as China, Poland, Kazakhstan, and Turkey, African central banks are gradually increasing their participation. Ghana stood out last year for aggressively boosting its gold reserves to support the cedi and strengthen its balance sheet amid economic challenges.

The move reflects a deliberate strategy to reduce reliance on traditional foreign currencies and build a more resilient reserve base.

Other African nations are also showing strategic interest. Uganda has launched a domestic gold purchasing programme targeting at least 100 kilograms over four months, while Kenya โ€” despite holding just 0.02 tonnes โ€” has signalled plans for gradual accumulation. Zimbabwe continues experimenting with gold-backed instruments, and the Democratic Republic of Congo aims to formalize 15 tonnes of artisanal gold production in 2026.

These efforts, though still modest compared to global leaders, signal a growing continental recognition of goldโ€™s role as a hedge in uncertain times.

Analysts say this African participation, led by Ghana, aligns with a wider global trend where central banks are treating gold as a strategic asset rather than a relic of the past.

For Ghana, continued accumulation could further stabilise the cedi, enhance macroeconomic credibility, and support the countryโ€™s ambition to capture more value from its rich gold resources through strategic reserve management.

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Ghana News

LGBTQ Debate Intensifies After Mahama Comments, Moodyโ€™s Upgrades Ghana Outlook and Other Big Stories Today

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We have curated the most relevant stories from Ghana for your enjoyment and awareness. From renewed calls on the controversial Anti-LGBTQ bill and a significant credit rating upgrade, to traditional leadership disputes and maritime security operations, these developments reflect the key political, economic, and social conversations shaping the country this morning.


It Remains a Priority โ€“ Sam George on Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Ningo-Prampram MP Sam George has reaffirmed that the Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill remains a top priority for him and many Ghanaians. Speaking in a recent interview, the outspoken NDC legislator took a stance that challenges his boss’s (President Mahama), stating that the bill is not a distraction but a necessary piece of legislation to protect Ghanaian cultural and family values. He expressed confidence that the bill would eventually be passed, despite delays, and urged supporters to remain patient while the legislative process is followed. George stated that the bill enjoys broad public support and that he would continue to champion it until it becomes law.
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Rev. Ntim Fordjour Urges Mahama to Issue Directive to Fast-Track Anti-LGBTQ Bill
Deputy Minority Leader Rev. John Ntim Fordjour has called on President John Dramani Mahama to issue a directive to fast-track the passage of the Anti-LGBTQ bill. The NPP MP argued that the legislation reflects the will of the Ghanaian people and should not be allowed to drag on indefinitely. He urged the President to demonstrate leadership by ensuring the bill is prioritised in Parliament, warning that further delays could erode public trust in the governmentโ€™s commitment to moral and cultural issues.
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President Mahama Nominates Pamela Graham as New Auditor-General
President John Dramani Mahama has nominated Pamela Graham as the new Auditor-General of Ghana. The nomination, which has been forwarded to Parliament for approval, is expected to bring fresh leadership to the countryโ€™s supreme audit institution. Graham is widely regarded as a seasoned professional with extensive experience in public financial management and auditing. If confirmed, her appointment will be closely watched as the government continues efforts to strengthen transparency and accountability in public finances.
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Etweresohene Stripped of Title, Barred from Ofori Panin Fie Over Alleged Rebellion
The Etweresohene has been stripped of his title and barred from the Ofori Panin Fie (the palace of the Okyenhene) following allegations of rebellion and disloyalty. The traditional council took the decision after what it described as persistent acts of insubordination and attempts to undermine the authority of the Okyenhene. The development has generated significant interest in traditional circles and highlights ongoing tensions within some traditional structures in the Eastern Region.
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Moodyโ€™s Upgrades Ghanaโ€™s Outlook to Positive, Affirms Caa1 Rating
Global ratings agency Moodyโ€™s has upgraded Ghanaโ€™s outlook to positive while affirming the countryโ€™s long-term issuer rating at Caa1. The upgrade reflects improving fiscal performance, debt management efforts, and signs of economic stabilisation. However, Moodyโ€™s cautioned that risks remain, particularly from external shocks such as global fuel price volatility. The positive outlook signals growing confidence in Ghanaโ€™s reform trajectory and could improve the countryโ€™s access to international capital markets.
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Mahama to Headline The Africa Debate 2026
President John Dramani Mahama has been confirmed as the headline speaker at The Africa Debate 2026, a major continental platform for discussing Africaโ€™s most pressing issues. The event is expected to bring together African leaders, policymakers, and thought leaders to engage on topics ranging from economic transformation to governance and regional integration. Mahamaโ€™s selection underscores his growing stature as a key voice on African affairs.
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Navy Seizes Eight Unregistered Boats at New Takoradi
The Ghana Navy has seized eight unregistered boats during a routine patrol at New Takoradi. The operation forms part of ongoing efforts to combat illegal fishing and unregulated maritime activities along Ghanaโ€™s coastline. The vessels have been impounded, and investigations are underway to determine the owners and intended use of the boats. The Navy has reiterated its commitment to protecting Ghanaโ€™s marine resources and enforcing maritime laws.
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Catholic Bishops Reject Trivialization of LGBTQ+ Debate by Mahama Government: ‘Nations Do Not Live by Bread Alone’

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ACCRA โ€“ Ghanaโ€™s Catholic Bishops have issued a forceful pastoral statement urging citizens and leaders alike to treat the ongoing LGBTQ+ debate with the seriousness it deserves.

In the statement, the Bishops warned against dismissing the issue as a minor national concern.

Released on April 10, 2026, the statement from the Ghana Catholic Bishopsโ€™ Conference (GCBC) directly responds to recent remarks by President John Dramani Mahama and Government Communications Minister Felix Kwakye Ofosu, who, in separate public statements, suggested the matter is not a major national priority.

โ€œNo question that touches the structure of human identity, family life, and social continuity can be trivial,โ€ the bishops declared.

Values as the Invisible Architecture of Nations

While acknowledging Ghanaโ€™s pressing economic challenges, the Conference rejected any attempt to separate moral questions from national development.

โ€œNations do not live by bread alone,โ€ the statement reads. โ€œThey are sustained also by the invisible architecture of values.โ€

The bishops called for a balanced approach to the controversial Human Sexual Rights and Family Values Bill, urging that it uphold both human dignity and the institution of the family.

Clear Condemnation of Discrimination

In a significant passage, the GCBC firmly condemned all forms of discrimination against individuals regardless of sexual orientation.

โ€œNo individual, regardless of sexual orientation or identity, may be subjected to violence, hatred, or unjust discrimination,โ€ the bishops stated.

However, they simultaneously reaffirmed their position on traditional family values, describing the family as a nationโ€™s most efficient social welfare system.

โ€œTo affirm dignity does not require the redefinition of marriage,โ€ the bishops added. โ€œTo defend marriage does not require hostility.โ€

Reminder to President Mahama

The Conference reminded President Mahama of his earlier commitment to assent to the bill if duly passed by Parliament.

โ€œDemocratic integrity restsโ€ฆ on the fidelity of leaders to their publicly stated commitments,โ€ the bishops noted.

They concluded with a call for calm and respectful engagement across all sectors of society, warning that words can either build a republic of trust or fracture it into suspicion.

The GCBC reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to a national conversation grounded in respect, moral clarity, and the common good.

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