The Ghanaian government has formally protested to the United Nations following a missile attack on its peacekeeping contingent serving in southern Lebanon, demanding an immediate investigation into what it describes as a potential war crime.
Two Ghanaian soldiers are in critical condition after two missiles struck the headquarters of the Ghanaian Battalion serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on the evening of March 6. The facility was hit during exchanges of fire between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah.
Formal protest lodged
In a protest addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa called for a “full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation” into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Saturday condemning the attack and demanding that those responsible be identified and held accountable, noting that the incident “constitutes a grave violation of international law, amounts to war crime and affronts the protections afforded to United Nations peacekeeping personnel.”
Safety concerns
The government has urged the United Nations to take all necessary measures to guarantee the safety and security of members of the Ghanaian contingent serving with UNIFIL, as well as other peacekeepers operating under the mission.
The statement assured the injured soldiers and their colleagues that the government would pursue justice on their behalf.
“The Government of Ghana assures our gallant soldiers that no effort shall be spared in pursuing justice and guaranteeing enhanced protection. Our thoughts and prayers are with the injured and their loved ones,” the ministry said.
Peacekeeping commitment affirmed
The Ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to global peacekeeping operations under the United Nations, emphasising that the safety of peacekeepers must remain a top priority in international efforts to maintain peace and stability.
It added that the ministry would continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with relevant UN authorities regarding the incident.
