Kwabena Ballo, a Ghanaian currently based in Russia, recently shared his experiences on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide Show with DJ Nyaami.
Kwabena initially lived in Dubai, working at Abu Dhabi Airport. However, he found it difficult to progress due to racial discrimination, as Indians were often preferred over Africans for jobs. Additionally, he faced constant financial pressure from family members in Ghana who frequently requested money.
A friend of his, eager to leave Dubai, suggested Russia as an alternative. Although his friend was denied a visa, Kwabena was fortunate enough to secure one on his second attempt. Upon arriving in Russia, he was shocked by the extreme cold weather but managed to settle in with the help of a friend. He initially worked in a warehouse where he was later promoted to a foreman, earning a better salary than in Dubai.
Kwabena’s entry into the Russian army was influenced by a friend who had joined and shared details of the lucrative salary. He contacted military officials and was eventually recruited. However, before officially joining, he had a medical check-up that revealed an appendix issue, which briefly delayed his enlistment.
Once enlisted, Kwabena underwent training and was assigned to the battlefield. He described the experience as intense, comparing it to an action movie. He recounted life-or-death situations where soldiers had to either kill or be killed, emphasizing how brutal the warfront was. According to him, the Ukrainian forces were strong, and mercenaries were also fighting on their side.
He spent five months training before being deployed to combat. He was skilled at shooting, which earned him a position as an attacker rather than a defender. He mentioned that at one point, his unit ran out of ammunition and had to fight with their bare hands. Many of his colleagues died on the battlefield, with only a few managing to return safely.
Kwabena stated that his decision to join the Russian army was primarily due to the financial benefits. He previously earned around GHC 5,000 per month in Dubai, but in Russia, his salary increased to GHC 15,000. After deductions for rent and other expenses, he still had enough money left to save.
Over time, he became a Russian citizen and no longer requires a visa to stay in the country. He revealed that some Ghanaian recruits were promised Russian citizenship in exchange for their service. However, he warned that if a soldier failed to complete training, they would either be deported or risk death in battle.
Kwabena advised anyone interested in joining the Russian army to seek divine guidance before making a decision. He emphasized that recruitment is now based on personal connections rather than an open process. He also cautioned that the training is rigorous and has resulted in the deaths of some recruits.
As he nears the end of his contract, Kwabena hopes to return to Ghana to reunite with his family. He also plans to pursue a music career once he leaves the military.
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