The case of a Russian national accused of secretly recording and distributing sexually explicit videos of Ghanaian women has exposed a significant legal void in Ghana-Russia bilateral relations, prompting the Russian Ambassador to Ghana to call for a formal extradition treaty between the two countries.

Vladislav Aleksandrovich Liulkov, 37, was publicly identified in February 2026 by the Minister of Communication, Digital Technology and Innovations, Sam George, as the individual allegedly operating online under the username “Yaytseslav.” The suspect is accused of secretly recording intimate encounters with Ghanaian women without their consent using Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, and subsequently monetizing the content online. He reportedly also targeted women in Kenya, widening the scope of the case to a regional cross-border incident.

The case triggered significant public outrage and renewed conversations about digital sexual abuse, with many demanding justice and accountability. The Ministry of Gender, Children and Social Protection established a dedicated support desk offering professional psychosocial counselling to victims and their families. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs also summoned the then Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Sergei Berdnikov, over the matter.

However, the absence of a formal extradition treaty between Ghana and Russia has presented a formidable legal obstacle. In an exclusive interview with Diplomatic Times, the new Russian Ambassador to Ghana, Andrei Ordash, said the Russian Embassy remains engaged in the case and reiterated that the suspect’s nationality would not shield him from condemnation.

“Yes, of course, this issue is under our close control. I would like to say honestly that we have always condemned such kinds of actions. No matter who was the author of such illegal acts, we declared our position openly from the very beginning. Of course, this incident remains a matter of our concern,” Ambassador Ordash said.

But he acknowledged that the case had exposed a broader gap in the legal framework governing relations between the two countries and could provide impetus for Ghana and Russia to strengthen cooperation in criminal justice and extradition matters.

“Another thing is that this incident also showed us that we have to broaden the legal basis of cooperation between Russia and Ghana because we don’t have documents on cooperation in criminal affairs, on extradition, etc. This is something that this incident can constitute, a momentum for us to broaden our cooperation in this sphere in order to sign appropriate documents,” he said.

The legal hurdles, however, run deeper than the absence of a treaty. Sam George previously explained that even if Ghana had signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Russia, the suspect would not be handed over because the Russian Constitution expressly prohibits the extradition of its citizens. Article 61(1) of the Russian Federation’s Constitution states that “a citizen of the Russian Federation may not be deported from the Russian Federation.”

“The Russian Constitution supersedes such treaty, and the Constitution is clear, ‘Russia will not extradite any of its citizens for prosecution,'” Sam George stated at a press briefing on February 18, 2026. “Even if we had signed a Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty with Russia, the Russian Constitution supersedes such treaty.”

Some diplomatic experts have indicated that any move by Ghana to get Liulkov extradited to Ghana would not yield any fruit, pointing to Russia’s historical reluctance to extradite its own citizens.

Despite these challenges, Ghanaian authorities have pursued alternative legal avenues. The government has activated INTERPOL protocols to secure an international arrest warrant against Liulkov. This measure, according to officials, would confine the suspect to Russia, as “as soon as he steps outside of Russia into any other country, he will be picked up.”

The government is simultaneously preparing for possible prosecution in absentia in Ghanaian courts, with the Cyber Security Authority, the Ghana Police Service and the Attorney-General’s Department preparing a docket for the case.

The alleged conduct constitutes a criminal offence under Section 67 of Ghana’s Cybersecurity Act, 2020 (Act 1038), which prohibits the non-consensual recording and distribution of intimate images and carries penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment.

The controversy erupted after videos circulated widely online in February 2026 showing Liulkov interacting with Ghanaian women. The suspect used Google Translate to assist his interactions, as his English is poor, and deliberately targeted vulnerable women. Investigations revealed that the unauthorised recordings date back to March 2025, with additional footage captured as recently as September 2025.

Some victims whose images appeared in the circulated material had no intimate encounter with the suspect at all, but had only brief casual interactions with him in public spaces such as shopping malls.

“He splashed their images as though he had intimate encounters with all of these ladies. That is wrong, and such a person must be brought to face the full rigours of the law,” Sam George said at the height of the scandal.

The Gender Minister, Dr Agnes Naa Momo Lartey, reiterated the government’s resolve to see the matter through to its logical conclusion. “The assurance we are giving all Ghanaians is that nobody will violate any Ghanaian citizen and go scot-free. We are going to pursue it. And that is the charge His Excellency John Dramani Mahama has given us,” she said.

Ambassador Ordash’s call for a formal extradition pact now places the onus on both governments to address the legal gaps exposed by the Liulkov case, even as Ghana pursues justice through INTERPOL and in absentia prosecution. Whether the case will serve as the catalyst for a broader Ghana-Russia criminal justice agreement remains to be seen.

Here are the top 10 headlines featured in major Ghanaian newspapers on Tuesday, July 28, 2026.

1. Ghana completes IMF bailout – Final $360m of $3bn approved

• Newspaper: Daily Graphic
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved the final review of Ghana’s Extended Credit Facility (ECF) program, unlocking the last tranche of $360 million. This concludes the country’s 36-month bailout program that began in May 2023.

2. ICU petitions Mahama over VALCO proposed sale

Newspaper: Daily Graphic

The Industrial and Commercial Workers’ Union (ICU) has petitioned President Mahama over the proposed sale of the Volta Aluminium Company (VALCO).

3. NPP locked Ghana into IMF conditionalities limiting our spending – Ato Forson

• Newspaper: The Overseer
• Dr. Cassiel Ato Forson, the Finance Minister, has accused the previous New Patriotic Party (NPP) government of locking Ghana into stringent IMF conditionalities that are limiting the current government’s spending capacity.

4. Ibrahim Mahama denies interest in acquiring VALCO, threatens legal action over claims

• Newspaper: The Overseer
• Businessman Ibrahim Mahama has publicly denied any interest in acquiring VALCO and has threatened legal action against those making such claims.

5. Values of Atta Mills continue to shape my leadership – Prez Mahama

• Newspaper: The Dispatch
• On the 14th anniversary of the death of former President John Evans Atta Mills, President John Dramani Mahama paid tribute, stating that the values of his late mentor continue to shape his leadership.

6. Otumfuo commends IGP’s special operation team in Ashanti

• Newspaper: The Dispatch
• The Asantehene, Otumfuo Osei Tutu II, has commended the Inspector General of Police’s special operations team for their work in the Ashanti Region.

7. Grassroots movement endorses Opong-Fosu for NDC National Chairmanship

• Newspaper: The Overseer
• A grassroots movement within the National Democratic Congress (NDC) has endorsed Opong-Fosu for the position of National Chairman.

8. Doctor uses GH¢20,000 cash reward to equip Paga Hospital

Newspaper: Daily Graphic

A doctor has used a GH¢20,000 cash reward to equip the Paga Hospital.

9. Chief Justice Suspends Greater Accra Court Sittings for Supreme Court’s 150th Anniversary

• Newspaper: The Daily Searchlight
• The Chief Justice has ordered the suspension of all court sittings in the Greater Accra Region to allow for the celebration of the Supreme Court’s 150th anniversary.

10. MP’s Empty Seat: Ghana Faces Constitutional Reckoning as Ohene Frimpong’s Dutch Detention Drags on

• Newspaper: The Spyder
• The continued detention of Asante Akyem North MP Kwame Ohene Frimpong in the Netherlands is raising constitutional questions about whether his parliamentary seat can remain vacant for an extended period.

Abdul-Samed Sulemana, who stood at 7 feet 8 inches and captured the nation’s attention, passed away just weeks after a prominent businessman pledged to cover his medical bills

Sulemana, popularly known as Awuche, passed away in the early hours of Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Tamale Teaching Hospital in northern Ghana, according to multiple reports.

His death comes just weeks after businessman and philanthropist Ibrahim Mahama — the brother of former President John Dramani Mahama — pledged to fully cover his medical expenses following a public appeal for help.

A Life Marked by Extraordinary Height and Health Struggles

Awuche, who hailed from Gambaga in the North East Region, stood at approximately 7 feet 8 inches (234 centimeters), making him Ghana’s tallest known living person.

For years, he had battled gigantism, a rare hormonal disorder caused by an overproduction of growth hormone during childhood. The condition leads to excessive growth and can cause a range of serious health complications, including joint pain, organ enlargement, and cardiovascular problems.

His health had reportedly deteriorated significantly in recent weeks due to complications from the condition, prompting doctors to refer him from the Baptist Medical Centre in Nalerigu to the Tamale Teaching Hospital for specialized care.

A Desperate Plea for Help

Awuche’s public appeal for medical assistance drew widespread attention after it emerged that he needed urgent surgery to save his life but lacked the financial means to access specialized treatment.

Doctors at the Tamale Teaching Hospital had recommended the amputation of his left leg after a severe infection caused part of the limb to rot. The surgery and related medical expenses were far beyond what his family could afford.

Ibrahim Mahama’s Intervention

The story took a hopeful turn earlier this month when Ibrahim Mahama, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, stepped in to help.

Rafik Mahama, an aide to the businessman, confirmed the support in a Facebook post, saying arrangements had been made to transport Awuche to the Tamale Teaching Hospital on Tuesday, July 8, 2026.

“On behalf of Mr. Ibrahim Mahama, I have reached out to Awuche and his family to assure them of our full support during this challenging time,” Rafik Mahama wrote. “Mr. Ibrahim Mahama has pledged to fully cover Awuche’s hospital bills, including the costs of his medical treatment and surgery”.

Awuche safely arrived at the hospital and commenced the necessary medical procedures. Despite the intervention, his condition proved too severe, and he succumbed to his illness weeks later.

A Life Remembered

Awuche’s extraordinary height made him a figure of fascination in Ghana, but his story also highlighted the challenges faced by those living with rare medical conditions in countries with limited specialized healthcare infrastructure.

His public appeal for help — and the outpouring of support it generated — brought attention to the struggles of individuals with gigantism and other hormonal disorders, who often face not only significant health challenges but also social isolation and financial hardship.

Legacy

While his life was cut short, Awuche’s story resonated across Ghana and beyond. It served as a reminder of the power of collective compassion — and the difference that timely intervention, even when it comes late, can make in the lives of the most vulnerable.

He is survived by his family, who have expressed gratitude for the support they received during his final weeks.