The Minister for Government Communications, Felix Kwakye Ofosu, has condemned the recent attack on Ghanaian peacekeepers serving under the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL).
He described the incident as unacceptable and a breach of international law, while stressing that dialogue remains the best way to resolve the broader conflict in the Middle East.
Speaking on Newsfile on JoyNews on Saturday, March 7, the minister said the government has formally lodged a complaint with the United Nations and is demanding a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the attack.
His remarks follow an incident involving Ghanaian troops deployed as part of the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu said the government views the matter with utmost seriousness and will not treat it lightly.
“It shows you how seriously we are taking this matter. It is not one we will take lying down,” he said.
“It is a condemnable action, totally unacceptable. It violates all norms of reason and international law. No country is allowed to behave with such impunity and set about attacking non-combatants—people who have not shown any aggression and who are in fact there to keep the peace.”
He emphasised that Ghana’s involvement in peacekeeping operations is long-standing and widely recognised internationally.
“They have done this for decades and it is very well known. It is an internationally recognised activity that we are engaging in,” he said.
According to him, the activities carried out by Ghanaian troops under the UN mandate do not pose any threat to parties within the region and therefore cannot justify such an attack.
“The activities do not pose any threat whatsoever to anybody within the region to warrant such an attack,” he stressed.
“As the country whose troops have been at the receiving end of this attack, we need to take it very seriously.”
The minister noted that Ghana has officially petitioned the United Nations to investigate the matter and ensure accountability.
“That is why we have lodged this formal complaint. We expect that the United Nations will take it seriously and carry out thorough investigations to ascertain the causes of this and demand consequential action from whoever is responsible for this sort of attack,” he stated.
Mr Kwakye Ofosu also dismissed suggestions that Ghanaian troops were supporting military actions by the United States or Israel in the ongoing regional tensions.
“Any argument of that sort is based on unverified reports,” he said.
“These are not verified reports. That is why an investigation is necessary, first of all to determine who has actually carried out this attack and what sanctions should be applied to the person responsible.”
Beyond the immediate incident, the minister expressed concern about what he described as the weakening of the global rules-based order.
“For some time now, we have known that the rules-based international order has essentially collapsed,” he remarked.
“Those who have the might do as they please without recourse to its impact on the international community. Those who do not have the power or means to mount such a challenge are left helpless in the ensuing reality.”
Despite the tensions, Mr Kwakye Ofosu maintained that military confrontation would only worsen the crisis and that diplomatic engagement remains the most viable solution.
“One can only hope that reason will prevail and order will prevail. I do not see how any side wins or emerges victorious from this conflict. It will only lead to escalation of the crisis,” he said.
“Whatever it is, I think that dialogue is the way to go.”
He pointed out that before the current escalation, there had been credible reports of mediation efforts aimed at addressing concerns surrounding nuclear proliferation in the region, particularly allegations regarding Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons.
“There were credible reports of some gains being made in negotiations to ensure that nuclear proliferation was brought under control,” he said.
According to the minister, the conflict has often been framed as a pre-emptive effort to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
“That really is the essence of this battle. It is said to be a pre-emptive strike aimed at stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons,” he noted.
However, he questioned the apparent double standards in global nuclear policy, where some countries possess nuclear weapons while others are prevented from doing so.
“It then begs the question as to why some countries think they should have nuclear weapons but others should not,” he said.
“I have never understood it. We will never understand it. But again, those who are mighty tend to hold sway and say that others who do not have similar might should not do A, B or C.”
Mr Kwakye Ofosu expressed hope that the conflict would soon be resolved through diplomacy to prevent further escalation and restore stability in the region.
“We hope that this conflict is wrapped up quickly so that normalcy returns,” he added.
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Source: www.myjoyonline.com
