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Ghana has expressed its gratitude to France for its support and solidarity following an attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) earlier this year.
Deputy Minister of Defence, Hon. Ernest Brogya Genfi, conveyed Ghana’s appreciation during a high-level engagement with France’s Delegate Minister for Armed Forces and Veterans.
The Deputy Minister led a Ghanaian delegation, which included Ghana’s Ambassador to France, Her Excellency Mavis Ama Frimpong, as well as the Chairman and Vice Chairman of Parliament’s Defence and Interior Committee.
Discussions centred on Ghana-France defence relations and ways to enhance cooperation between the two countries, particularly in areas of mutual security interest.
In a Facebook post, Hon. Genfi said the meeting provided an opportunity to personally acknowledge France’s response following the attack on Ghanaian troops deployed with UNIFIL.
He said Ghana appreciated France’s expression of sympathy when the peacekeepers came under attack earlier this year.
The incident occurred on March 6, 2026, at a Ghanaian UNIFIL base in Al Qawzah, southwestern Lebanon, during intense exchanges of fire.
Three Ghanaian peacekeepers were initially reported injured, with one later transferred to Beirut for further medical attention. The Ghana Armed Forces later confirmed that four soldiers were affected, including one who sustained critical injuries.
The attack also destroyed accommodation facilities housing 14 officers. The affected personnel were subsequently provided with new equipment, accommodation and the necessary welfare support.
The incident attracted international condemnation, with calls for the protection of UN peacekeepers and accountability for those responsible.
France was among the countries that condemned the attack and expressed support for Ghana. France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs described the incident as “unacceptable” and expressed full solidarity with Ghana, while wishing the injured peacekeepers a speedy recovery.
France also commended the courage and professionalism of UNIFIL personnel and reiterated the need to protect UN peacekeepers and facilities in accordance with international law and UN Security Council Resolution 1701.
The Israeli military later acknowledged that its forces had mistakenly struck the UNIFIL position after misidentifying it as the source of anti-tank fire from Hezbollah. It expressed regret and apologised to Ghana and the United Nations, according to Reuters.
It was in this context that Deputy Defence Minister Ernest Brogya Genfi formally conveyed Ghana’s appreciation to French officials for their support and solidarity.
The meeting further reinforced the longstanding defence partnership between Ghana and France, with both sides exploring opportunities to deepen cooperation in addressing emerging regional and global security challenges.
Story by Efua Nessa