Kwesi Ansu, a Ghanaian soldier currently fighting in Ukraine as part of the Russian army. Having joined the military a year ago, Ansu shares his harrowing experiences on the frontlines, the dangers he faces daily, and his motivation for enlisting with Dj Nyaami On Svtv Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide show.
Ansu describes the war as increasingly brutal, especially in recent days. He recounts the disappearance of six Ghanaian soldiers, stating,
“We sent six people to the frontlines, and we haven’t heard from them in six months.” The use of drones has become a significant threat, as they can eliminate targets instantly.
Having recently returned from battle, he reflects on the dangers of deployment.
“They take us to the frontlines, and I met a Ghanaian from Nima there. At first, I thought they wouldn’t send young recruits, but I was wrong,” he said. War injuries are severe, with soldiers losing limbs or dying instantly from drone attacks. “If you step on the wrong spot, it could be a bomb,” he warns.
Before enlisting, Ansu was a mechanic who had traveled to 12 countries, including Singapore and Qatar. Initially, he moved to Russia for work but eventually joined the military for financial reasons.
“I joined because of the money. I have worked in Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Dubai, and Singapore. Honestly, Arab jobs are better than this. There, you work 12-hour shifts but get time to rest. Here, it’s 12 hours of physical labor with little pay. If you can earn 1,500 dollars in Dubai, stay there. Here, you make around 790 to 800 dollars,” he explained.
Life at the war front is physically and mentally exhausting. Soldiers carry heavy gear, including weapons, food, and water, making movement difficult, especially in the rain. According to Ansu, the war has intensified, with drone attacks becoming more frequent and devastating.
Basic necessities are scarce. “I spent two months on the frontlines without bathing because we were underground. They sent me to the sniper zone, where people are killed daily. The trees are small, so there’s little cover. I see dead bodies every day, and we have to bury them in danger zones,” he recalled.
Despite the hardships, Ansu says he does not regret joining the army.
“All die be die. I did this for my family. If things work out, I can get my passport and bring them here.” He has two young children, aged seven and five, and hopes to secure a better future for them.
However, he strongly advises against coming to Russia.
“I wouldn’t encourage anyone to come here. The food is bad, conditions are terrible, and many people abandon their homes, leaving behind whatever food they had. Sometimes, we even cook and eat stray animals.”
Having witnessed countless deaths, Ansu acknowledges the brutal reality of war.
“I’ve seen many dead bodies—blacks, Cameroonians, and others. Some soldiers even shoot themselves in the leg just to be sent home. The war is relentless.” He also believes Russia has won the war, but external forces continue to prolong the conflict.
As the fighting continues, Ansu remains committed to his mission, even in the face of overwhelming danger.
“I sacrificed my life for my kids. If I survive, I’ll build a better future for them.”
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