The Government of Ghana has taken decisive diplomatic action, formally lodging a protest with the United Nations following a missile attack on its peacekeeping army serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
In a strongly worded protest addressed to UN Secretary-General António Guterres, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, condemned the attack and demanded a full, immediate, impartial, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the assault on personnel deployed in the service of international peace and security.
The Government of Ghana has further demanded that those responsible be identified and held accountable, describing the attack as a “grave violation of international law” that “amounts to a war crime and affronts the protections afforded to United Nations peacekeeping personnel.”
“In the March 6, 2026, protest addressed to the UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, the Government of Ghana has called for a full, immediate, impartial and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack on personnel deployed in the service of international peace and security.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
The attack, which occurred on the evening of March 6, 2026, in southern Lebanon, left two Ghanaian soldiers critically injured and caused significant damage to the battalion’s headquarters.
Urgent Call for Enhanced Protection
Beyond the demand for investigation and accountability, Ghana has urged the United Nations to take all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of members of the Ghanaian contingent serving with UNIFIL, as well as all personnel operating under the Mission who, at great personal risk, make daily sacrifices in the service of humanity .
“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.”
Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ghana
The Ghanaian Battalion headquarters came under two separate missile attacks between 5:45 PM and 5:52 PM local time on Friday, amidst ongoing exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah along Lebanon’s volatile southern border.
According to a statement from the Ghana Armed Forces, the Officers’ Mess facility at the base was directly hit and completely destroyed by fire. Two soldiers sustained critical injuries, while a third peacekeeper suffered trauma as a result of the incident.
Military authorities have confirmed that the injured personnel are currently receiving treatment at a medical bunker inside the UN base and are reported to be in stable condition.
Arrangements are underway to transfer them to a UNIFIL referral hospital for further medical care. The remaining troops at the base are safe and sheltering in underground bunkers.
The attack has drawn condemnation beyond Ghana’s borders. UNIFIL issued a statement declaring, “It is unacceptable that peacekeepers performing (UN) Security Council-mandated tasks are targeted,” and confirmed that it would investigate the circumstances of the incident.
Lebanese President Joseph Aoun condemned what he described as “Israeli attacks on Lebanon,” adding that they had “even reached the point of a direct assault on UNIFIL.”
French President Emmanuel Macron also condemned the “unacceptable attack” on UNIFIL following discussions with his Lebanese and Syrian counterparts, emphasizing France’s commitment to working with partners to prevent further regional conflict escalation.
The UN Special Coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, expressed being “dismayed that our colleagues have suffered injuries and wishing them a full recovery”.
Ghana’s Legacy in Peacekeeping
The attack comes amid renewed tensions in southern Lebanon, where UN peacekeeping forces continue to monitor the volatile border between Israel and Hezbollah.
Ghana has long been recognized as one of the largest troop-contributing countries to UN peacekeeping operations globally, ranking 10th highest in the world . The Ghana Armed Forces have earned international respect for their professionalism and dedication in conflict zones worldwide.
In its official communication, Ghana reaffirmed its unwavering and longstanding commitment to United Nations peacekeeping operations, underscoring that the safety and protection of peacekeeping personnel must remain paramount in the collective effort to maintain international peace and security .
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has indicated it will continue to monitor developments closely and remain engaged with relevant United Nations authorities on the matter.
As the injured soldiers receive medical care and investigations proceed, Ghana’s diplomatic machinery remains fully activated to ensure justice and accountability for its citizens serving under the UN flag.
The incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by peacekeepers worldwide and the critical importance of upholding international law protections for those who risk their lives in the service of global peace and stability.
READ ALSO: Indonesia To Ban Social Media for Under-16s
