By Hannah Dadzie
President John Dramani Mahama has dispatched a specialised contingent of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts.
In a strong demonstration of Pan-African solidarity and international cooperation, the President described the mission, as a “bridge of solidarity across the Atlantic,” following the catastrophic devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The mission marks a significant escalation in Ghana’s humanitarian response to the disaster, which has claimed over 40 lives and caused an estimated $8.8 billion in damages to the Caribbean nation.
Speaking at a send-off parade at the Jubilee Lounge in Accra, President Mahama emphasized that the deployment of the 14 Engineer Brigade is a direct response to a request for help from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.
“After dispatching the first batch of humanitarian assistance, I spoke with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, who indicated that what they urgently need is help with rebuilding and shelter. That is why we are sending our engineering corps to support reconstruction while tents are dispatched by sea to provide temporary shelter.” President Mahama indicated.
He stressed that the operation is strictly humanitarian in nature.
“This is not a combat mission; it is a mission of compassion, skill, and service. You are 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.”
President Mahama also expressed appreciation to the United States for its logistical support, wishing the contingent a successful mission and safe return.
“May God bless the Ghana Armed Forces, bless Ghana–Jamaica friendship, and make our nation great and strong,” he added.
The Engineer’s Regiment, led by Colonel Emmanuel Asia, will be tasked with, rebuilding essential structures and providing technical support, setting up large-scale tent cities for thousands of displaced Jamaicans, clearing debris and restoring access to hard-to-reach communities.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, noted that, the Jamaica deployment is the fifth major humanitarian gesture under President Mahama’s current administration, following recent aid shipments to Palestine, Cuba, and Sudan.
“His Excellency believes that our foreign policy should be defined, not by how much we can take from others, but by how much we share.” Mr Ablakwa said.
He added that as one of the world’s top five contributors to United Nations peacekeeping operations, the Ghana Armed Forces have consistently brought honour and pride to the country wherever they have been deployed, expressing confidence that they would once again make Ghana proud.
The Minister also noted the deepening ties between President Mahama and U.S. President Donald Trump, citing Ghana’s recent exemption from U.S. visa restrictions that affected several neighboring countries as a sign of “dexterity and skill” in Ghanaian diplomacy
The mission is being implemented as a model of South-South cooperation, supported by strategic international partnerships. While Ghana is providing personnel and relief items, including locally produced rice, medicines and equipment, the United States Government is supplying airlift support.
A U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft is transporting 54 Ghanaian military personnel and nine pallets of essential equipment, which is over 65,000 pounds, directly from Accra to Kingston.
Charge d’Affaires of the U.S Embassy Ghana, Rolf Olson, said the operation reflects the strong bilateral relationship between Ghana and the United States and their shared commitment to humanitarian assistance. He said the United States is honoured to support Ghana’s mission and Jamaica’s recovery efforts.
“The United States is honored to support Ghana’s mission to assist Jamaica by providing strategic C-17 airlift support. This operation reflects the strength of the U.S.–Ghana partnership and our shared commitment to rapid humanitarian response, technical expertise and helping those in need.” He said
”The U.S. has already provided nearly $37 million in regional aid. Today’s operation reflects the best of our collaboration, rapid response, technical expertise, and a willingness to help those in need.” He added
The deployment comes at a critical time for Jamaica, which Okudzeto Ablakwa described as being “on its knees” due to the hurricane. By sending boots on the ground to assist with physical rebuilding, Ghana aims to send a clear message to the Caribbean fraternity that they are not alone.
The solemn send-off parade drew attendance from senior government officials, members of the diplomatic corps, service chiefs, representatives of Caribbean nations, and the families of the deployed personnel.
Hurricane Melissa, described as one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, tore through western Jamaica on October 28, 2025 before making landfall in eastern Cuba, destroying homes and crops.
