Ernest Brogya Genfi, Deputy Defence Minister of Ghana, has disclosed that one of the Ghanaian soldiers critically injured during the recent attack on a Ghanaian peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon has successfully undergone surgery after being evacuated to Beirut. He added that four other soldiers who sustained minor injuries are stable and recovering.
Giving an update on the condition of Ghanaian troops deployed under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Deputy Minister explained that the severely injured soldier had suffered serious wounds to both legs and the hip. However, he is now in stable condition and recovering following surgery carried out on the morning of Saturday, March 7.
He further noted that four additional soldiers who were lightly injured in the attack are also stable and responding well to medical treatment.
The incident also caused significant personal losses for some members of the contingent.
According to Genfi, about 15 officers lost all their personal belongings after a fire broke out in their accommodation during the attack.
The Deputy Minister also acknowledged international support following the incident. He revealed that France expressed solidarity with Ghana after its Minister Delegate to the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, Alice Rufo, held a telephone conversation with him to convey support.
He added that France has also raised concerns about the attack at the United Nations, noting that French peacekeepers are likewise deployed in Lebanon.
Genfi emphasised that Ghana appreciates the show of support and reaffirmed that the government is taking all necessary steps to safeguard Ghanaian personnel serving under the UN peacekeeping mission.
Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana has filed a formal complaint with the United Nations, stressing that all parties involved in the conflict must respect the neutrality and safety of peacekeeping forces operating in the mission area.