Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF), President John Dramani Mahama, has deployed troops from the Ghana Armed Forces Engineers Regiment to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The troops were formally sent off at a parade addressed by the President, where he described the mission as a humanitarian duty rooted in solidarity, shared history, and the long-standing bonds between Ghana and the Caribbean.
Addressing the contingent, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s enduring commitment to assisting countries in times of need and reinforcing Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean cooperation.
“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 stated.
According to the President, the mission underscores Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the shared values that bind African and Caribbean nations.
“This deployment reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our shared history, values, and bonds within the African-Caribbean family,” he said.
President Mahama recalled Ghana’s history of providing humanitarian assistance to countries affected by crises, including Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan. He noted that following Hurricane Melissa, Ghana dispatched relief items to Jamaica and Cuba, as well as aid to displaced persons in Sudan.
“The humanitarian assistance included food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines, and other such accoutrements,” he said.
He explained that Ghana’s response was informed by its own experiences with natural disasters and recovery efforts.
“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,” President Mahama noted.
Commending the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism and readiness to serve beyond the country’s borders, the President stressed that the deployment was strictly humanitarian.
“This mission is not a combat mission. It is a mission of compassion, skill, and service,” he said.
President Mahama disclosed that the decision to deploy engineering troops followed direct discussions with Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Hornace, after the initial consignment of relief items had been delivered.
“After we dispatched the first batch of humanitarian assistance, I made a phone call to the Prime Minister of Jamaica to express Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica,” he said, adding that the Jamaican leader had expressed gratitude and indicated that the country’s immediate need was support for rebuilding and sheltering displaced persons.
In response, Ghana offered additional practical assistance, including the deployment of engineering troops and the provision of tents to serve as temporary shelters.
“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,” the President explained.
The troops are expected to engage in engineering works, technical and logistical support, and community-focused assistance during their mission.
President Mahama urged the soldiers to conduct themselves with discipline, professionalism, and respect for local authorities, reminding them that they were ambassadors of Ghana.
“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,” he said.
He further encouraged them to work as a team, protect one another, and return home safely, expressing confidence that the contingent would uphold Ghana’s strong reputation in international missions.
“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,” the President stated.
President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s continued support for Jamaica, describing the mission as a powerful symbol of transatlantic solidarity.
“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,” he said.
The deployment marks another milestone in Ghana’s tradition of international humanitarian engagement, reinforcing its role as a reliable partner in times of crisis. As the Ghana Armed Forces Engineers heads to Jamaica, the mission is expected not only to restore damaged infrastructure and provide relief to displaced communities, but also to deepen the historic bonds between Africa and the Caribbean through practical cooperation, shared values, and solidarity in recovery.
