Ghana must avoid Middle East conflict – Prof. Agyenim Boateng

An international relations scholar, Agyenim Boateng, has advised that Ghana should remain neutral in the growing tensions in the Middle East despite recent reports involving Ghanaian peacekeepers deployed in Lebanon.

Following his speech on Rainbow Radio 87.5 FM, the academic said Ghana’s diplomatic response so far had been appropriate, particularly the decision by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, to formally raise the matter with the United Nations.

Prof. Boateng explained that early reports created the impression that the incident had occurred directly within the operational zone of Ghanaian peacekeepers in Lebanon.

However, emerging details suggest that the Iranian military installation believed to be linked to the strike was located some distance away from the affected area.

He noted that previous military operations carried out by the United States against Iranian targets may have triggered retaliatory actions from Iran against locations they suspected were connected to American forces.

According to him, those responsible for the attack may not have been aware that the facility involved accommodated Ghanaian troops serving under a peacekeeping mandate.

Because of that, the strike could have inadvertently affected personnel who were not parties to the conflict.

Prof. Boateng said the Foreign Affairs Minister had already assured the public that investigations would be undertaken to establish the exact details surrounding the incident.

He stressed that Ghanaian soldiers currently stationed in Lebanon are part of a peacekeeping operation sanctioned by the United Nations, whose role is to help maintain stability in the region.

He warned that if contributing countries begin pulling their troops out of the mission due to security concerns, it could weaken the peacekeeping effort and complicate attempts to restore calm.

The expert also indicated that any Ghanaian soldier injured in the incident would receive the necessary medical care, adding that arrangements could be made for affected personnel to return home if their condition required it.

He said the mission commander, together with Ghanaian authorities, would evaluate the condition of the soldiers involved.

Prof. Boateng pointed out that beyond possible physical injuries, some soldiers may also suffer psychological distress following such incidents.

He added that those affected would be closely monitored and given the required support before any further decisions are taken regarding their deployment.

Prof. Boateng maintained that the situation should not be used as justification for Ghana to become involved in the broader conflict in the Middle East.