Ghana has deployed a contingent of soldiers from the 48th Engineers Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to assist Jamaica with reconstruction works following the widespread destruction caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The troops were formally sent off at a parade addressed by President John Mahama, who described the mission as a humanitarian duty rooted in solidarity and shared history between Ghana and the Caribbean.

Addressing the soldiers, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s long-standing commitment to helping countries in need.

“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.”

“This deployment reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our shared history, values, and bonds within the African-Caribbean family,” the President said.

He recalled that Ghana had already sent humanitarian relief to countries affected by crises, including Jamaica, Cuba and Sudan.

“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,” President Mahama said.

“This humanitarian assistance included food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines, and other such accoutrements.”

According to the President, Ghana’s response is driven by its own experience with disasters and recovery.

“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,” he said.

President Mahama praised the Ghana Armed Forces for their readiness to serve beyond the country’s borders and said that the assignment was strictly humanitarian.

“I commend the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, for their discipline, and their 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.”

He disclosed that the decision to send engineering troops followed direct discussions with Jamaica’s Prime Minister after the initial relief supplies were delivered.

“After we dispatched the first batch of humanitarian assistance, I made a phone call to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Honourable Andrew Hornace, to express Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica,” the President said.

“He thanked me for the assistance we had dispatched and in our discussion he said what they need currently is assistance with rebuilding and providing shelter for the people who have been displaced.”

President Mahama said Ghana then offered further practical support.

“And so I offered to send a regiment of our engineering corps to help with the assistance and also send them some tents to provide temporary shelter."

“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,” he explained.

He told the soldiers they would be engaged in engineering works, technical and logistical support, and community-focused assistance.

“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.”

The President urged the troops to uphold discipline, professionalism and respect for local authorities, while looking out for one another.

“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.

President Mahama expressed confidence that the contingent would maintain 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,” he said.

The President assured Jamaica of Ghana’s continued support.

“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 symbolises a bridge of solidarity across the Atlantic, grounded in shared history and mutual respect.”