Ghanaian in the Russian Army Speaks from Ukraine – Interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa Worldwide
Owusu, a Ghanaian currently serving in the Russian army, shared his experience in Ukraine during an exclusive interview with DJ Nyaami. He revealed that he’s been stationed in various regions, starting from Skove and later moving to Donetsk City, which was captured by Russian forces. He now works in a different area alongside his commanders.
Owusu explained that he moved directly from Ghana to Russia in 2024. Before that, he had traveled to Qatar in 2018. Eventually, he decided to settle in Russia after being in touch with someone already there. Initially, he worked in a warehouse. After nearly a year, the U.S. president made a public statement saying anyone helping to bring peace to the ongoing war could be granted American citizenship. That sparked Owusu’s motivation to join the Russian army.
He explained that before signing up, applicants are asked three critical questions: if they truly want to join the army, if they understand the risks of war, and if they are willing to help fight. Only after affirming “yes” to all three are they allowed to sign the contract.
According to Owusu, military training wasn’t extensive. He underwent about a month of training where he learned how to shoot and use bombs. His previous personal experiences helped him adapt. He mentioned that there are no fixed frontliners—assignments vary, and at times, Russians handle supplies while others cover different areas.
His current role is in logistics, where he supplies food and essentials to troops. He emphasized the importance of being alert, especially when drones are in operation. “If you don’t hide and take out the drone, it could kill you,” he warned.
He also addressed misconceptions, saying Africans aren’t being forced to go to the frontlines for higher pay. They receive a sign-on bonus and monthly salaries of over 270,000 rubles, but the dangers are real. “If God says I will die in this war, I will. But if not, I won’t,” he said with strong faith.
Owusu noted that although there are over 60 Ghanaians in the Russian army, he is in a group with mostly Cameroonians and Russians. In a typical unit of 12 soldiers, only two might be African.
Owusu signed a one-year contract with the Russian army. He shared that the President had calmed tensions among the soldiers’ supervisors, as things had become very intense. He recalled incidents in occupied towns where even those not fighting would sometimes die in their sleep. He stressed that many soldiers are not there just for money but for survival and purpose.
“My family knows I joined. My mother prays for me. She even encouraged me to go because she believes in my path.”
In terms of daily hygiene, Owusu explained that soldiers use wipes with soap to clean themselves, as access to water is limited. His video sharing this went viral online.
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