Ghana has issued a formal appeal to the Commonwealth for a decisive condemnation of Friday’s missile strike targeting United Nations peacekeepers in southern Lebanon, which left four Ghanaian soldiers wounded. The attack occurred at approximately 18:00 local time, striking a base of the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (Unifil) where the Ghanaian battalion was stationed.
Addressing Commonwealth counterparts at a meeting in London on Sunday, Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa characterized the assault as “an attack on every principle that the UN Charter exists to defend.” While not explicitly attributing responsibility, Ablakwa emphasized the urgent need for investigation and accountability.
The Ghana Armed Forces confirmed all injured personnel are in stable condition, with three sustaining minor injuries. One critically wounded soldier successfully underwent surgical procedures and is reportedly responding well to treatment.
Social media documentation revealed extensive damage to battalion facilities, with videos showing significant structural impact and fires at the peacekeeping compound.
The incident occurs amid escalating cross-border hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. While Lebanese President Joseph Aoun attributed the strike to Israel, Ghanaian officials have maintained diplomatic caution regarding attribution. The Iranian-backed Shia group had previously claimed rocket and drone attacks targeting Haifa, Israel, citing retaliation for the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Ghana’s foreign ministry has formally lodged a protest with UN Secretary-General António Guterres, who echoed calls for accountability, stating “those responsible must be held accountable.” As one of the longest-standing contributors to UN peacekeeping operations in Lebanon, Ghana’s appeal carries significant weight in international diplomatic circles.