The Government of Ghana has formally lodged a protest with the United Nations following a missile attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which left two soldiers critically injured and one traumatised.
In a statement issued on Saturday, March 7, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that Ghana had written to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, demanding a full, immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the incident that occurred on Friday, March 6, in southern Lebanon.
The attack targeted the headquarters of the Ghanaian battalion in the volatile region, amid ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and Hezbollah. According to the Ghana Armed Forces, the base came under two missile strikes between 17:45 and 17:52 local time, severely damaging facilities including the officers’ mess, which was completely burnt down.
The government described the assault as “condemnable” and a grave violation of international law, emphasising that attacks on UN peacekeepers undermine the protections afforded to personnel deployed in the service of global peace and security.
“Those responsible must be identified and held accountable,” the statement read, adding that such actions may amount to war crimes under international humanitarian law.
Ghana has urged the UN to take urgent steps to bolster the safety and security of the Ghanaian contingent and all other peacekeepers operating in the tense southern Lebanon sector.
“The Government of Ghana assures our gallant soldiers that no effort shall be spared in pursuing justice and guaranteeing enhanced protection,” Minister Ablakwa said. The nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the injured personnel, who are receiving treatment—including one transferred to a hospital in Beirut—and their families.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Ghana’s longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping missions, noting that the safety of peacekeepers must remain a top priority in international efforts to maintain peace.
The government said it will continue to closely monitor the situation and engage with UN authorities to ensure justice and improved safeguards for its troops.
