Draft:Repatriation of Ghanaian Students Trapped in Ukraine War
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The Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022 caused great suffering for many people, and millions of people — including thousands of international students — were forced to flee their homes. Ghanaian students, who made up a significant portion of the African international student population in Ukraine — especially in the fields of medicine and engineering — were among those affected. The war abruptly disrupted their education and put their lives in serious danger. The Government of Ghana, supported by diplomats and international partners, quickly intervened to bring them back home.
The story of Ghanaian Students with Ukraine
[edit][1]Before the war, Ukraine was a destination of many Ghanaians, since school was rising, and the existing education was good (essential in medicine), and they did not have a law on travel. According to Ukrainian Education and Science Department, more than 1,000 Ghanaian students were studying in Ukraine when the war began.
How The Issue Began and How It Was Solved
[edit]When the war in Ukraine erupted in February 2022, hundreds of Ghanaian students—many studying medicine and engineering—found themselves caught in the crossfire. The Ghanaian government, in coordination with international partners, launched a swift repatriation effort to bring them home safely.[2]
By March 2022, multiple batches of students had been evacuated through neighboring countries like Romania and Hungary. The first group of 17 students arrived at Kotoka International Airport on March 1, with more following in the days after. In total, over 249 Ghanaians, most of them students, were repatriated by June 2022[3]
Challenges Faced During the Repatriation
[edit]The repatriation of Ghanaian students from Ukraine during the 2022 war was fraught with serious challenges—both logistical and deeply personal. Here are some of the most pressing difficulties they encountered:
Racial Discrimination at Borders: Many Ghanaian and other African students reported being denied access to trains and buses while trying to flee Ukraine. Some were forced to wait for hours or even days while others—mostly white Ukrainians—were prioritized.[4]
Dangerous Travel Conditions: Students had to navigate active war zones, often on foot or in overcrowded vehicles, to reach safer areas like Lviv or border towns. The journey from cities like Kyiv or Kharkiv was perilous and emotionally draining[5]
Communication Barriers: Language differences and lack of clear information made it difficult for students to understand evacuation procedures or access help. Many relied on social media and informal networks to coordinate their escape.[6]
How The Students Were Reintegrated Into Society to Continue Schooling
[edit]After their harrowing escape from the war in Ukraine, Ghanaian students faced the daunting task of rebuilding their academic lives. The Ghanaian government took several steps to support their reintegration into society and education:
Formation of a Reintegration Committee: A 13-member committee was established, chaired by Dr. Nsiah Asare, the Special Advisor to the President on Health. This committee included representatives from the Ministry of Education, Ministry of Health, Ghana Tertiary Education Commission, and student bodies.[7]
Placement into Public Universities: The committee was tasked with developing guidelines to absorb the returning students—especially medical and engineering students—into Ghanaian universities. This included assessing their academic records and determining appropriate placement levels.[8]
Placement Examinations: Medical students were required to take placement exams to ensure they could integrate smoothly into the Ghanaian curriculum. While this was met with some resistance from students, it was seen as a necessary step to maintain academic standards.[7]
Tailored Academic Pathways: The education minister encouraged the committee to create flexible academic pathways for students who might have gaps in their training, ensuring they could catch up and thrive in the new system.[8]
It was a complex process, but one aimed at giving these students a second chance at their dreams.
References
[edit]- ^ "Total of 210 Ghanaians evacuated from Ukraine - Ministry". Graphic Online. 2022-03-10. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "How the war in Ukraine shattered a Ghanaian student's dream – DW – 09/26/2022". dw.com. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Russia and Hungary agree to assist Ghanaian Students in Ukraine: 2nd Batch arrives in Accra". 2022-03-04. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Ghanaian Students Say Flight from Ukraine Hampered by Discrimination". Voice of America. 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ "Ghanaian Students Say Flight from Ukraine Hampered by Discrimination". Voice of America. 2022-03-07. Retrieved 2025-06-17.
- ^ https://www.researchgate.net/publication/368455698_GHANAIAN_STUDENTS'_LIVED_EXPERIENCES_OF_THE_UKRAINE_WAR_-_AND_ITS_AFTERMATH_EVIDENCE_FROM_ONLINE_MEDIA_REPORTAGE
- ^ a b Nartey, Laud (April 30, 2022). "Govt sets committee to facilitate integration of Ghanaian students from Ukraine into public universities".
- ^ a b GTonline (2022-05-10). "Education Ministry sets up 13-member c'ttee to help absorb Ukraine students into Ghanaian varsities". Ghanaian Times. Retrieved 2025-06-17.