Ghana has deployed a contingent of soldiers from the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to assist Jamaica with reconstruction works following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The troops were formally sent off at a parade addressed by President John Dramani Mahama, who described the mission as a humanitarian duty rooted in solidarity and shared history between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Addressing the soldiers, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s long-standing commitment to assisting countries in need.
“We’re gathered here today for a solemn and proud national duty to see off officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces who have been selected to represent Ghana on a humanitarian reconstruction mission to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa,” he said.
The President emphasised the historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica, noting that the mission underscores Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity.
“This deployment reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our shared history, values, and bonds within the African-Caribbean family,” President Mahama stated.
He recalled Ghana’s record of providing humanitarian assistance to countries affected by crises, including Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan.
After the destruction of the hurricane, Ghana dispatched humanitarian assistance to the friendly people of Jamaica and Cuba and also to the displaced people of Sudan,” he said.
According to the President, the assistance included food items such as locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines, and other essential supplies.
President Mahama explained that Ghana’s response was informed by its own experiences with natural disasters and post-disaster recovery.
“Our nation understands the pain of natural disasters and the long road to recovery. Today’s mission reinforces Ghana’s commitment to humanitarian response, disaster recovery and reconstruction, South-South cooperation, Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity,” he said.
He commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism and readiness to serve beyond Ghana’s borders, stressing that the deployment was strictly humanitarian.
“This mission is not a combat mission. It is a mission of compassion, skill, and service,” the President noted.
President Mahama further disclosed that the decision to deploy the engineering regiment followed direct discussions with Jamaica’s Prime Minister after the initial relief supplies were delivered.
“After we dispatched the first batch of humanitarian assistance, I made a phone call to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Andrew Hornace, to express Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica,” he said.
He added that Jamaica’s government requested assistance with rebuilding infrastructure and providing shelter for displaced persons, prompting Ghana to offer engineering support and temporary shelter materials, including tents.
The deployment marks another chapter in Ghana’s contribution to international humanitarian efforts and regional cooperation
