A Ghanaian soldier who sustained serious injuries during a recent attack on a Ghanaian peacekeeping base in southern Lebanon has successfully undergone surgery after being evacuated to Beirut, Deputy Minister of Defence Ernest Brogya Genfi has disclosed.
Providing an update on the condition of Ghanaian troops serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), the Deputy Minister said the soldier suffered severe injuries to both legs and the hip during the incident. He explained that the surgery was carried out on the morning of Saturday, March 7, and the soldier is currently stable and recuperating.
According to him, four other Ghanaian soldiers who also sustained minor injuries during the attack are in stable condition and responding well to treatment.
Mr. Brogya Genfi also revealed that the incident caused significant personal losses for some of the troops stationed at the base.
“Unfortunately, 15 officers lost all personal effects due to a fire outbreak at their accommodation,” he noted in a post on his Facebook page.
The Deputy Defence Minister further acknowledged the international support Ghana has received following the incident. He indicated that France expressed solidarity with Ghana after Alice Rufo, the French Minister Delegate to the Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs, held a telephone conversation with him to convey her country’s support.
He added that France has also raised concerns about the incident at the United Nations, noting that French peacekeepers are similarly deployed in Lebanon.
Mr. Brogya Genfi assured that the Government of Ghana is taking all necessary steps to safeguard its troops serving under the UN mission.
Meanwhile, the Government has lodged a formal complaint at the United Nations headquarters, stressing the need for all parties involved in the conflict to respect the neutrality and safety of peacekeepers operating in the mission area.
Story by Doe Benjamin Kofi Lawson