By Amoako Kwame
Ghana has renewed its call for credible investigations and accountability following the March 2026 attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers serving with the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL). According to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the government continues to push for sanctions against those responsible for the assault, which left several Ghanaian soldiers injured.
Mr. Ablakwa made the remarks after participating in a ministerial session on peacekeeping reforms in Rabat on Thursday, May 21, hosted by the foreign ministers of Morocco and France. The discussions focused on strengthening the protection of UN peacekeepers and improving international accountability mechanisms for attacks on peace missions.
The meeting convened foreign ministers, United Nations representatives, and peacekeeping specialists to deliberate on the future of international peace operations amid dwindling financial support for global missions. The discussions followed the March 6 missile attack on the Ghanaian Battalion Headquarters serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which occurred during heightened clashes between the Israel Defense Forces and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.
The attack left two Ghanaian soldiers critically injured, while another officer reportedly suffered psychological trauma. In addition, the battalion’s Officers’ Mess was completely destroyed by fire after being struck during the incident.
Mr. Ablakwa said participants issued a communique emphasising the urgent need to protect peace operations, particularly in support of vulnerable populations affected by conflict.
“I reiterated Ghana’s call for thorough investigations and appropriate sanctions following the March attack on our peacekeepers in Lebanon,” he stated.
The minister revealed that he chaired a ministerial panel discussion on peacekeeping training strategies, where he underscored Ghana’s long-standing role and commitment to global peacekeeping operations. He also took the opportunity to honour Anita Asmah, describing her as Africa’s first female United Nations Head of Mission and Force Commander in peacekeeping.
Mr. Ablakwa further advocated increased female involvement in peacekeeping missions, pointing out that women currently make up only about 10 percent of peacekeeping personnel worldwide.
“Ten percent female participation should not be considered sufficient,” he emphasized.
As a member of the Governing Council of the Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre, the minister commended the institution for its contribution to advancing professional, multicultural, and gender-responsive peacekeeping training. He reaffirmed Ghana’s backing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 2719 and assured that the country would continue to uphold its standing as one of the world’s leading contributors of troops to peacekeeping missions.
Mr. Ablakwa also highlighted that Ghana’s peacekeeping legacy began with its maiden deployment in 1960.
“We remain immensely proud of our blue berets and honour them for their remarkable courage in safeguarding vulnerable populations across various conflict zones,” he stated.
