By James Amoh Junior, GNA
Accra, Dec. 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday dispatched a contingent of Ghana Army engineers to Jamaica to support post-hurricane Melissa reconstruction efforts.
The mission has been described as a demonstration of Ghana’s long-standing commitment to humanitarian solidarity, South–South cooperation and Afro-Caribbean ties.
The 54-member engineering team, drawn from the Ghana Army’s 14 Engineer Brigade, was airlifted aboard a United States Air Force C-17 aircraft to Kingston.
This follows a formal request by the Government of Jamaica after the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
Speaking at a brief but solemn departure ceremony in Accra, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s shared history, values and bonds with the people of Jamaica and the wider Caribbean family.
He noted that the mission was rooted in compassion rather than combat.
“This is not a combat mission; it is a mission of compassion, skill and service,” the President said, urging the troops to uphold professionalism, discipline and humanity as ambassadors of the Republic of Ghana.
President Mahama recalled that Ghana had earlier dispatched humanitarian relief items to Jamaica, Cuba and other affected countries in the aftermath of the hurricane, including food items, locally produced rice, blankets, medicines and other essential supplies.
He said discussions with Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness revealed an urgent need for technical assistance in rebuilding damaged infrastructure and providing shelter for displaced persons.
Following those discussions, the President said Ghana offered to deploy an engineering unit to assist with reconstruction works while additional tents were being sent by sea to provide temporary shelter.
“You are going to be engaged in engineering and reconstruction works, technical and logistical support services, and community-focused assistance,” he told the soldiers.
“Your conduct will shape how Ghana is perceived abroad,” he emphasized.
President Mahama expressed confidence that the Ghana Armed Forces would once again distinguish themselves, drawing on Ghana’s strong international reputation built through decades of peacekeeping, humanitarian and disaster response missions.
He also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of the United States for making the mission possible through strategic airlift support, describing the provision of the C-17 aircraft as decisive in overcoming logistical constraints.
“One of the main obstacles was the ability to airlift the troops to Jamaica. The United States stepped forward and offered that capacity,” the President said, thanking U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. officials for the support.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Foreign Affairs Minister, said the deployment was consistent with President Mahama’s foreign policy of compassion, solidarity and being “friends of all and enemies to none.”
He recalled that under President Mahama’s leadership, Ghana had responded to multiple humanitarian crises, including the dispatch of relief items to Palestine during the Gaza conflict, assistance to Cuba and Jamaica following Hurricane Melissa, and support to Sudan amid what the United Nations had described as one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with more than 12 million displaced persons.
“Hurricane Melissa has wreaked havoc in Jamaica, claiming over 40 lives, with destruction estimated at more than 8.8 billion dollars,” Mr Ablakwa said, adding that Ghana’s response went beyond relief supplies to include direct technical support through the deployment of troops.
He said the Government was confident that the Ghana Armed Forces, one of the world’s top five troop-contributing countries to United Nations peace operations, would once again uphold the nation’s image and deliver with distinction.
Mr Ablakwa also commended the U.S. for its swift response to Ghana’s request for airlift support, singling out the Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Ghana, Mr Rolf Olson, for what he described as tireless behind-the-scenes engagement to make the mission a reality.
Mr Rolf Olson said the deployment underscored the strength of the U.S. – Ghana partnership and a shared commitment to responding rapidly to humanitarian crises.
“Today, we gather as partners – the United States and Ghana – working hand-in-hand to respond to Jamaica’s request for humanitarian assistance,” he said, noting that Ghana’s offer of support demonstrated leadership and compassion across the Atlantic .
He said the United States was honoured to provide strategic C-17 airlift support to transport the Ghanaian engineers and essential equipment to Jamaica, adding that the aircraft would carry 54 Ghanaian service members and nine pallets of equipment, weighing more than 65,000 pounds .
Mr Olson said the mission reflected broader U.S.–Ghana security cooperation, including joint training, exercises and logistical support, and highlighted U.S. humanitarian assistance to countries affected by Hurricane Melissa across the region.
“With this latest support, the United States has provided nearly 37 million dollars in emergency, life-saving assistance in response to Hurricane Melissa, including over 22 million dollars to Jamaica,” he said.
He added that the support had helped clear debris, restore access, and provide shelter, healthcare, water, sanitation and food assistance.
The Chargé d’Affaires praised the professionalism of the Ghanaian engineers and U.S. service members involved in the operation and wished the Ghanaian detachment a safe journey and a successful mission.
The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, service chiefs, members of the diplomatic corps, representatives from Caribbean states and families of the deployed soldiers.
GNA
Edited by Christian Akorlie