Ghana lodges protest at UN over attack on peacekeepers in Lebanon, calls for immediate investigation

The Government of Ghana has formally lodged a protest with the United Nations following an attack on Ghanaian soldiers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.

In a press release issued on March 7, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, had on behalf of the Government of Ghana submitted a formal protest to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres.

The protest follows a missile strike on the Ghanaian Battalion serving with UNIFIL on March 6, which left two Ghanaian soldiers seriously injured.

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According to the ministry, Ghana has called for a full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on the peacekeeping personnel.

The government further described the attack as a grave violation of international law, noting that assaults on United Nations peacekeepers undermine the protections guaranteed to personnel serving in international peacekeeping missions.

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Ghana has also urged the United Nations to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of members of the Ghanaian contingent deployed with UNIFIL, as well as all other peacekeepers operating in the mission area.

The statement added that the government remains committed to supporting its troops and will spare no effort in pursuing justice while ensuring stronger protection for Ghanaian soldiers deployed abroad.

The ministry said,

Ghana also reaffirmed its longstanding commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, emphasising that the safety and protection of peacekeeping personnel must remain a top priority in global efforts to maintain international peace and security.

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The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it will continue to closely monitor developments and remain engaged with relevant United Nations authorities on the matter.