Ghana has dispatched soldiers from the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to support reconstruction efforts in Jamaica after the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The contingent was officially bid farewell at a parade addressed by President John Mahama, who described the assignment as a humanitarian obligation rooted in solidarity and shared heritage between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Speaking to the troops, President Mahama said the deployment underscored Ghana’s enduring commitment to assist nations in distress.
“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.”
“This deployment reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our shared history, values, and bonds within the African-Caribbean family,” the President said.
He noted that Ghana had previously extended humanitarian relief to countries struck 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,” President Mahama said.
“This humanitarian assistance included food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines, and other such accoutrements.”
The President explained that Ghana’s actions are informed by its own experience with disasters and 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, and South-South cooperation, Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity,” he said.
President Mahama commended the Armed Forces for their readiness to serve beyond Ghana’s borders, stressing that the mission was purely humanitarian.
“I commend the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, for their discipline, and their readiness to serve not only at home but anywhere in the world, duty calls. This mission is not a combat mission. It is a mission of compassion, skill, and service.”
He revealed that the decision to send engineering personnel followed direct talks with Jamaica’s Prime Minister after the first 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,” the President said.
“He thanked me for the assistance we had dispatched and in our discussion he said what they need currently is assistance with rebuilding and providing shelter for the people who have been displaced.”
President Mahama said Ghana responded with further practical aid.
“And so I offered to send a regiment of our engineering corps to help with the assistance and also send them some tents to provide temporary shelter.
We’re dispatching those tents by sea so that we can provide temporary shelter, but in the meantime, our troops are going to help with reconstruction, with building, and also providing support for the people of Jamaica,” he explained.
He told the soldiers their duties would involve engineering works, technical and logistical support, and community-focused service.
“Your conduct will reflect the values, discipline, and humanity of the Ghanaian soldier. You’re ambassadors of the Republic of Ghana. Your actions will shape how Ghana is perceived abroad.”
The President urged the contingent to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for local authorities while safeguarding one another.
“We expect you to uphold professional excellence, respect for local authorities and communities you work in, to exercise discipline, integrity and teamwork, and protect one another and return home safely,” he said.
Expressing confidence in the troops, President Mahama said Ghana’s reputation in international missions would be further strengthened.
“Ghana has already carved out a good reputation for service abroad, and I know that those of you who are dispatching today will hold the flag of Ghana high and you will not let us down,” he said.
He assured Jamaica of Ghana’s continued partnership.
“Through you, Ghana is going to convey a clear message to the people and government of Jamaica that they are not alone and that Ghana stands in solidarity with them,” President Mahama said.
“Ghana stands with them in this moment of rebuilding and recovery. This mission symbolises a bridge of solidarity across the Atlantic, grounded in shared history and mutual respect.”
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