3 Ghanaians reportedly preparing to launch Wagner-linked group arrested in Takoradi

Police in the Western Region have initiated legal processes against three individuals apprehended in Diabene at the Sekondi-Takoradi Metropolis.

The trio in the Western Region are suspected of having affiliations with Russia’s Wagner mercenary group.

The Wagner Group, officially PMC Wagner, is a Russian state-funded private military company.

Their arrest came after a public gathering arranged by the youth, where they were observed displaying flags associated with Wagner and Russia.

The individuals have been identified as Evans (25), Michael Asiedu (23), and Ernest Asiedu (26).

With alleged backing from a sponsor based in Australia, these three individuals rallied approximately 20 youth to form a military-style group at the Diabene community park. However, acting on a tip-off, the police apprehended them.

Ramatu Ibrahim, the Assemblywoman of Fijai overseeing Diabene, confirmed the occurrence.

According to her, per information from the police during their probe “the boys said they were doing a freedom demonstration, they said they were training on how to wage war against the government.”

“So I asked how? They were hoisting different flags of different countries, and playing the national anthem.”

The Assemblywoman further explained that their local leader in 25 years but the main leader abroad.

“After the police explained things to them, they realised that they didn’t know what they were in for. I learnt they were promised some money if their planned action becomes successful.”

Speaking to Accra-based Citi News, a man called Mensah Promise who was arrested alongside the suspects while providing music for the rally revealed that they have already been to court twice but are currently on bail.

In December last year, President Akufo-Addo alleged that Burkina Faso had engaged Russian mercenaries.

“Today, Russian mercenaries are positioned at our northern border. Burkina Faso has now engaged in an arrangement, aligning with Mali, to enlist the services of Wagner forces there,” Akufo-Addo proclaimed during the US-Africa Leaders Summit in Washington.

Addressing the audience alongside United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Akufo-Addo additionally claimed that Burkina Faso had offered Wagner a mine as compensation.

Subsequently, Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement released after the meeting with Ghana’s ambassador, expressed its displeasure regarding the statements made by the Ghanaian president.

The statement mentioned, “Ghana could have engaged in dialogue with the Burkinabe authorities concerning the security matter to acquire accurate information.”