In a significant display of Afro-Caribbean solidarity, Ghana has deployed a specialized contingent of soldiers from the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to assist Jamaica in its recovery from the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.
During a formal send-off parade, President John Mahama emphasized that the mission is a humanitarian endeavor rooted in a shared history and the deep cultural bonds that unite the African and Caribbean people.
He characterized the deployment as a proud national duty, reflecting Ghana’s established role as a compassionate partner in global disaster response and South-South cooperation.
The decision to send military personnel followed a direct conversation between President Mahama and Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness. This engineering mission serves as a second phase of assistance, following an initial delivery of relief supplies that included Ghanaian-produced rice, medicines, blankets, and other essential household items.
The President noted that Ghana’s own experiences with disaster recovery have shaped its commitment to helping “friendly nations” like Jamaica and Cuba, as well as displaced populations in Sudan, during their times of crisis.
President Mahama praised the professionalism and discipline of the Ghana Armed Forces, making it clear that the assignment is strictly non-combat. He described the operation as a mission of skill and service intended to help rebuild critical infrastructure destroyed by the storm.
By providing technical expertise through the engineering regiment, Ghana aims to accelerate Jamaica’s long road to recovery while reinforcing the diplomatic and Pan-African values that connect the two nations.
