Injured Ghanaian peacekeepers stable after Lebanon attack - Deputy Defence Minister

The Ministry of Defence has confirmed that soldiers injured during a recent attack on its peacekeeping contingent serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) are receiving treatment and are in stable condition, while the government has formally protested the incident at the United Nations Headquarters.

Providing an update on the situation, Deputy Minister of Defence, Ernest Yaw Brogya Genfi, disclosed in a Facebook post that four Ghanaian soldiers who sustained minor injuries are stable and recovering well. He further revealed that one soldier who suffered severe injuries to both legs and the hip had been successfully evacuated for specialized medical care.

“Four soldiers who sustained minor injuries are stable and recovering well. One soldier who suffered serious injuries to both legs and the hip was successfully evacuated to Beirut where he underwent surgery this morning. He is stable and recuperating,” the Deputy Minister said.

The Ghanaian contingent forms part of UN peacekeepers deployed to southern Lebanon to help maintain stability in the region amid ongoing tensions between armed groups and state forces. Recent hostilities have placed peacekeeping positions at risk, prompting renewed calls for restraint and respect for international humanitarian law.

According to Brogya Genfi, the incident also caused significant damage to the accommodation of some Ghanaian officers stationed within the mission area.

“Unfortunately, fifteen officers lost all personal effects due to a fire outbreak at their accommodation,” he stated, adding that efforts are underway to provide the affected officers with the necessary support.

In response to the development, the Government of Ghana has taken diplomatic steps at the highest level of the international body overseeing the mission. Mr. Brogya Genfi emphasized that Ghana had formally notified the UN about the incident and demanded strict adherence to the rules governing the protection of peacekeepers.

“Ghana has lodged a formal complaint at UN Headquarters, underscoring the responsibility of parties in conflict to respect the space and safety of peacekeepers operating within the theatre,” he said.

The Deputy Minister stressed that attacks and incidents that endanger peacekeeping forces undermine global efforts to maintain peace and security, particularly in volatile regions where UN troops operate under difficult conditions.

He also acknowledged expressions of solidarity from international partners following the incident, revealing that France had directly reached out to Ghana to convey support for its troops.

“I acknowledge the solidarity expressed by France, whose Minister Delegate to the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Alice Rufo, reached out in a telephone conversation to convey support,” Brogya Genfi noted.

According to him, France has also raised concerns about the incident with the United Nations, particularly because French peacekeepers are also deployed within the same operational theatre in Lebanon.

“She indicated France has similarly raised concerns at UN Headquarters, as their peacekeepers are also deployed in Lebanon. Ghana deeply appreciates this gesture of solidarity,” he said.

Brogya Genfi assured that the government and the Ghana Armed Forces are closely monitoring the situation and are taking steps to ensure the safety and welfare of the troops serving under the UN mandate.

“We reiterate that all possible measures are being taken to protect our troops serving under the UN flag,” he stated.