Ghana has lodged a protest with the United Nations following an attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers serving in southern Lebanon that left two soldiers seriously injured.

In a statement issued on March 7, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said the government had written to the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, demanding a full investigation into the incident involving Ghanaian troops deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).

According to the ministry, the attack occurred on March 6 in southern Lebanon and involved members of the Ghanaian battalion serving with the UN peacekeeping mission. Two soldiers sustained serious injuries during the incident.

The government described the attack as “condemnable” and called for a full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault on personnel deployed in the service of international peace and security.

Ghana further demanded that those responsible for the attack be identified and held accountable, stating that such actions constitute a grave violation of international law and undermine protections guaranteed to United Nations peacekeeping personnel. 

The Foreign Affairs Ministry also urged the United Nations to take all necessary steps to strengthen the safety and security of the Ghanaian contingent serving under the UN mission, as well as other peacekeepers operating in the volatile region. 

“The Government of Ghana assures our gallant soldiers that no effort shall be spared in pursuing justice and guaranteeing enhanced protection,” the statement said, adding that the nation’s thoughts and prayers are with the injured personnel and their families.

Ghana reiterated its longstanding commitment to UN peacekeeping operations, emphasizing that the safety of peacekeeping personnel must remain paramount in global efforts to maintain international peace and security.

The ministry noted that it will continue to monitor developments closely while engaging with relevant UN authorities regarding the incident.