Fourteen young men from Ghana, lured by the promise of lucrative jobs in Russia, have found themselves in a perilous situation after being deceived by a Ghanaian contractor. Initially hopeful for a brighter future, they left their families behind, assured by the contractor of promising opportunities in Russia.
However, upon arrival, they were coerced into signing contracts to fight in Ukraine, a war they had no knowledge or preparation for.
The contractor, who facilitated their journey, took a significant fee of 130,000 rubles from each man, claiming it was for job placement. Although they were paid 400,000 rubles for their involvement in the conflict, the men had no intention of joining the war and were not equipped for combat.
Trapped in dangerous conditions, they are desperate to return home. Their once-hopeful dreams have been shattered, and they now reside in an incomplete building in Donetsk, Ukraine.
The group, which once consisted of 14 individuals, has dwindled to just three, with some taken to unknown locations, possibly to the front lines of the war.
One victim revealed that they had initially been promised security or agricultural jobs. They signed the contracts believing it was part of military training for the security work.
Their passports have been confiscated, and their situation has become dire as they plead for help to escape.
Now, living in fear and uncertainty, the survivors are calling on Ghanaians to help them return home, fearing what might happen next as the conflict rages on around them.
