A devastating tale of deception has unfolded, leaving 14 Ghanaian men stranded amid the Ukraine-Russia conflict.
According to reports, a Ghanaian identified as Abraham Boakye popularly known as One Man Supporter, allegedly recruited the group with promises of lucrative jobs abroad, specifically in Russia.
Attempts to speak to One Man supporter were unsuccessful.
The victims arrived in Russia on August 6, expecting security jobs, but were instead forced into military training.
In a news bulletin aired by Tv3, an Accra-based Television station, one of the victims was heard saying, “We were told we would get a job working in security, but would first undergo training from the military”.
Contracts Signed In Russian
The victims’ passports were confiscated, and they were made to sign contracts in Russian, a language they didn’t understand.
“We signed a contract in Russian, and our passports were taken away,” another man recounted.
Plea for Help
Three surviving members, held against their will in Russian-occupied Donetsk Oblast, have appealed for rescue.
“We are presently in Ukraine… we have no fighting experience. We are pleading, we want to return home,” one desperate man told TV3.
Global Recruitment Scam
This incident is part of a larger pattern of Russia luring foreigners into its army.
Similar cases have been reported in India, Egypt, Nepal, and Cuba. “Russia continues to try to fill the ranks of its army with foreigners and migrant workers to avoid another round of domestic mobilization,” reports. By Bloomberg.
Families Seek Justice
However, the Ghanaian families have sought help from the police.
“We are appealing to the Ghanaian authorities to help us bring our sons back home,” a family member pleaded.
International Efforts
International efforts are underway to combat these recruitment schemes.
The Indian media also reported that 45 Indians tricked into joining the Russian military fighting in Ukraine have been released after the Indian government intervened.
-BY Daniel Bampoe