Heaven Gold: Ghanaian Fighter in Russian Army Speaks After Fellow Countryman Is Captured by Ukrainian Forces
A Ghanaian youth fighting for Russia in the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war has been captured by Ukrainian forces. According to Heaven Gold, a fellow Ghanaian and military personnel on the frontlines for Russia, the captured individual had just joined the army and was still new to the warzone.
Speaking in an interview on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide with DJ Nyaami, Heaven Gold revealed that the detained Ghanaian was among a group of fresh recruits who hadn’t even spent a month at the front. “They moved on a Friday, and I remember he spoke to his girlfriend. The next day, he and the others were arrested. I believe they got lost. They weren’t armed yet—they were still newcomers,” Heaven said.
He expressed concerns about how African fighters are often misidentified: “What proves they’re Russian? They don’t even have guns yet. When caught, they’re not supposed to be easily handed over. But once you’re captured, you may have to wait for a prisoner exchange. There are people who’ve been arrested for three years without being released.”
Heaven Gold joined the Russian military due to financial struggles. He had previously attempted to enter Belarus but was deported under suspicion of planning to cross into Poland. “They were right. I did plan to go through Belarus to Poland,” he admitted.
After being deported and stranded in Ghana, he managed to secure a 14-day visa to Russia in 2023, hoping to use it as a stepping stone to Canada. Once in Russia, he joined the army.
His first encounter with war was traumatic. “A bomb exploded near me, and I passed out. When I woke up, the guy behind me was dead, and others were injured. Oddly enough, I was happy I was hurt—I knew I’d be compensated for it,” he confessed.
Heaven explained that in Ukraine, only major injuries get you hospitalized. Minor wounds often don’t qualify for medical leave. “After my injury, I was sent to the war front just two or three weeks later.”
When asked why he took such a risky path, he answered simply: “Money.” In Ghana, he was renting. Now, thanks to his service, he owns a house. However, he also acknowledged the cost: “Many Ghanaians have died in this war.”
Watch The Video Below:
About The Author
