The Government of Ghana has escalated its response to an attack on its UNIFIL peacekeepers in Southern Lebanon, formally lodging a high-level protest with United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres.
The diplomatic move follows a violent incident on March 6, 2026, which left two Ghanaian soldiers with serious injuries while serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a statement issued today, March 7, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, labeled the assault a “grave violation of international law” and an “affront” to the protections afforded to global peacekeepers.
Ghana’s protest to the UN is built on three core demands:
Immediate Investigation: A full, impartial, and transparent probe into the circumstances of the attack.
Justice: The identification and prosecution of those responsible, with the government noting that such acts amount to war crimes.
Enhanced Security: Urgent measures by the UN to guarantee the safety of the Ghanaian contingent and all personnel serving in the high-risk region.
Despite the severity of the attack, the government has reaffirmed its “unwavering and longstanding commitment” to international peacekeeping missions.
However, the Minister has sent a clear message to the troops currently on the front lines.
”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 Ghanaian Battalion (GHANBATT) has been a cornerstone of UNIFIL for decades, operating in a volatile border region where tensions frequently flare.
This latest incident highlights the increasing physical risks faced by those tasked with maintaining the “Blue Line” between Lebanon and Israel.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated it will remain in constant contact with UN authorities to monitor the recovery of the injured soldiers and the progress of the requested investigation.
By 1960news.com
