'My salary can feed your family for 3 years' - Ghanaian in Russian army brags

A Ghanaian man who has joined the Russian army has boasted about the huge financial earnings he receives from his service.

In a video shared by CNN journalist Larry Madowo via X on February 14, 2025, the soldier, seen in uniform, claimed that Russia’s military is the best in the world.

He went on to say that his salary is so lucrative that it could support an entire family for two or three years, highlighting the enormity of the pay.

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In another video, he urged Africans to enlist in the Russian army, claiming it offers strong financial incentives.

“The Russian army is the best army, it is not for kids, understand it. You hear popo? Give and take. My salary can feed your father, mother, and family for like two years or three years,” the Ghanaian man, whose identity has not been disclosed, said.

A Ukrainian official attributed the situation to economic hardship, which he believes is forcing people to accept such offers.

“As we understand, it is deception, and secondly it is economic causes, because they are promised serious money for easy jobs, so why not,” one official said.

Reports suggest that Russia has initiated steps to recruit Africans into its army as the invasion of Ukraine continues.

Recent crackdowns are said to have reduced the rate of recruitment, with more stringent measures expected to halt the operation.

Watch the video below:

Are we in a Russia - Africa exchange programme? 😉 pic.twitter.com/u9CGB6aIIf

— Larry Madowo (@LarryMadowo) February 14, 2026