On February 25, 2026 Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hosted Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, in Kyiv for a historic meeting.  This happens to be the first-ever standalone visit by a Ghanaian (and broader African) foreign minister to Ukraine since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion.

The meeting marked the inaugural high-level bilateral talks between the two countries’ leaders in this context.

Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa took to X to express his gratitude after a succeful meeting with the Ukraine President

Some areas the discussion centered on included:

• • Countering Russian recruitment of African fighters — Zelenskyy and Ablakwa addressed Russia’s alleged use of deceptive tactics and human trafficking networks to lure vulnerable young people from Ghana and other African nations into fighting on its side against Ukraine. Ukrainian officials reported that over 1,700 citizens from 36 African countries (including around 272 from Ghana) are currently fighting in Russian ranks, many deceived and placed on front lines. Both sides agreed to collaborate on measures to disrupt these recruitment efforts, with ongoing contact between teams emphasized.

• • Humanitarian appeal for Ghanaian prisoners of war — Ablakwa appealed on humanitarian grounds for the release of two Ghanaian nationals captured while fighting for Russia and held as POWs by Ukraine. He described the talks as “fruitful” and expressed optimism about a compassionate outcome, noting gratitude for Ukraine’s adherence to international law in protecting their rights. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha confirmed that Ghanaian diplomats would be allowed access to visit the detainees, and discussions on their potential return were held frankly.

• • • • • • • • Broader bilateral cooperation — The leaders explored strengthening ties in agriculture, defense, education (including expanded programs for Ghanaian students at Ukrainian universities), trade, and other sectors. Zelenskyy thanked Ghana for its consistent support of Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, including votes in favor of relevant UN General Assembly resolutions. He also highlighted Ghana’s upcoming chairmanship of the African Union in 2027 as an opportunity to deepen Ukraine-Africa relations and extended a formal invitation to Ghanaian President John  Dramani Mahama to visit Ukraine.

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The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Minister of Sports and Recreation, Didier Budimbu, officially honored Michel Kuka (also known as Michel Nkuka Mboladinga), popularly called Lumumba Vea, by presenting him with a Jeep (specifically a Jetour model, such as a Jetour Dashing SUV or similar 4×4).

This gesture was in recognition of Lumumba Vea’s iconic and viral support for the DR Congo national football team (Les Léopards) during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) 2025 held in Morocco.

Michel Kuka, alias Lumumba Vea with his iconic celebration at AFCON 2025 in Morocco

He gained widespread fame and admiration across Africa for his unique, silent style: standing motionless like a statue throughout entire matches, paying tribute to Patrice Émery Lumumba (the DR Congo’s independence hero and first prime minister).

His solemn, unwavering presence in the stands turned him into a symbolic “12th man” for the team, an ambassador for the Bloc Léopards supporters’ group, and a powerful emblem of national pride, unity, and historical memory.

The minister had promised the vehicle during the tournament (reportedly in Casablanca), and he fulfilled it in a ceremony.

This well-deserved tribute highlights the impact ordinary passionate supporters can have beyond the pitch.

The Ministry of Finance announced that the government, under President John Dramani Mahama, paid a total of approximately $1.47 billion in 2025 to clear longstanding legacy debts in the energy sector.

This major payment has successfully restored the World Bank’s Partial Risk Guarantee (valued at around $500 million), which had been depleted under the previous administration.

The guarantee, originally established to support the Sankofa Gas Project (Offshore Cape Three Points field), was critical for attracting nearly $8 billion in private investment for gas supplies and power generation.

Key Breakdown of the Payments

• $597.15 million (including interest) fully repaid to the World Bank, reinstating the guarantee in full and reaffirming Ghana’s credibility as a reliable partner globally.
• Around $480 million to settle outstanding gas invoices with suppliers like ENI and Vitol.
• About $393 million in legacy arrears to Independent Power Producers (IPPs), including companies such as Karpowership and Cenpower.

This settlement addresses chronic issues that contributed to power supply instability (often referred to as “dumsor”) and threatened fiscal stability. By clearing these obligations, the government aims to stabilize electricity generation, lower long-term power costs, reduce interest burdens, and boost investor confidence in Ghana’s energy sector.

Finance Minister Cassiel Ato Forson described the energy sector as fragile when the current administration took office, and this decisive action marks a “turnaround” for reliable power and economic growth. Independent Power Generators (IPGs) have reportedly commended the move as a major step toward sector stability.