By Iddi Yire, GNA
Accra, Dec 17, GNA – President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-In-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces on Wednesday dispatched the first batch of 54 soldiers from the 48 Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Army to help in the reconstruction of hurricane hit Jamaica.
The dispatching followed an appeal from the Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness to President Mahama for support in the reconstruction of his country after the devastating effects of hurricane Melissa.
The troop of 54 all ranks, consist of 45 soldiers and nine officers.
Speaking at a farewell ceremony held at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and their shared history, values and bonds within the African-Caribbean family.
He said 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.
“This humanitarian assistance included food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines and other such accoutrements.
Ghana has consistently stood for international solidarity, humanitarian assistance and global responsibility,” he stated.
“Our nation understands the pain of natural disasters and the long road to recovery.”
He said the mission reinforced Ghana’s commitment to humanitarian response, disaster recovery and reconstruction and South-South cooperation, Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity.
The Commander-In-Chief commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, for their discipline and 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”.
President Mahama recounted that after receiving an appeal for support from the Jamaican Prime Minister in the area of reconstruction, he offered to send regiments of Ghana’s engineering corps to help with the assistance and also send them some tents to provide temporary shelter.
“We are 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 said.
“So you’re going to be engaged on this mission in engineering and reconstruction works. You’ll be engaged in technical and logistical support services. You’ll be engaged in community-focused assistance.”
The President reminded the troop that their conduct would 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. 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: “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.”
“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 symbolizes a bridge of solidarity across the Atlantic and grounded in shared history and mutual respect.”
President Mahama expressed gratitude to President Donald Trump of the United States for proving C-17 aircraft to lift the troop from Accra to Kingston, Jamaica with their supplies to provide the support for the people of Jamaica
Mr Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’Affaires of the United States Embassy to Ghana said in the wake of Hurricane Melissa’s devastating impact on Jamaica, the Government of Ghana stepped forward with a generous offer of assistance for their fellow Commonwealth member across the Atlantic – demonstrating not only compassion but leadership in the region.
Mr Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, reiterated that the deployment of the troop was at the request of the Jamaican Prime Minister and that President Mahama was pleased that the Ghana Armed Forces was responding to this call.
He also expressed gratitude to the nation’s gallant men and women in uniform for always making Ghana in various theaters across the world.
GNA
Edited by George-Ramsey Benamba