14 Ghanaian migrants who have been caught up in the Russia-Ukraine war are making a passionate appeal to government to come to their rescue.
The 14 young men left Ghana for Russia through Togo on Sunday, August 4, 2024, on a journey they believed would turn their lives around and enable them to take good care of their families left behind in Ghana.
“We are suffering; please come and rescue us”
According to them they were lured by promises of securing a well-paid job in Russia but hopes of building a better future immediately faded after they were confronted with the reality on the ground upon their arrival in Russia on August 6.
Soon after their arrival, they were transported to a city known as Kostroma to sign what they thought was an employment contract.
However, to their utter shock, it turned out to be an agreement for recruitment into the Russian Army to fight against Ukraine.
The young men had been allegedly deceived by a contractor, Abraham Boakye, popularly known in Ghana’s football circles as One-Man Supporter, whom they trusted.
“Two people out of the 14, said the commander, said they are going to the frontlines of the war, so they should prepare. The next day they are going; up till now, we have not heard from them.
We called him and informed him that the military people have brought the contract. Should we sign? Because he is the one that brought us here. He said we should go ahead and sign; don’t we have confidence in him?” one of the victims told TV3 journalist Godwin Asidiba.
“You can’t go out anywhere; even if you are going to the bathroom, the military people will follow you,” another of the victims said.
Their predicament has worsened as their passports have been seized.
The 14 people who left Ghana a little over one month ago have been reduced to just three
🚨ICYMI🇬🇭😳: Bro 14 Ghanaians were promised green fields in Russia; instead, they were forced into battlegrounds.
–
A @GodwinAsediba report.— Ölele | DTS👨🏾🍳🇬🇭 (@OleleSalvador) September 19, 2024
