In a remarkable display of international solidarity, President John Dramani Mahama has deployed a contingent of 54 highly skilled soldiers from the 48th Engineer Regiment of the Ghana Armed Forces to Jamaica.
The deployment, which took place on December 17, 2025, follows a direct appeal from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for assistance in reconstructing communities ravaged by the catastrophic Category 5 Hurricane Melissa, which struck the Caribbean island on October 28, 2025, causing billions in damage and claiming dozens of lives.
The Ghanaian engineers, experts in civil and military construction, will focus on rebuilding critical infrastructure, clearing debris, setting up temporary shelters, and providing logistical support to displaced families. President Mahama, speaking at a solemn farewell ceremony in Accra, described the mission as one of “compassion, skill, and service,” emphasizing Ghana’s deep historical and cultural ties with the African diaspora in the Caribbean. He noted that Ghana had already sent humanitarian aid, including food, medicines, and blankets, and is shipping additional tents by sea to complement the on-ground efforts.
Ghana Sends Troops to Jamaica: President Mahama Deploys Elite Engineers to Rebuild After Devastating Hurricane Melissa
This initiative underscores Ghana’s growing role in global humanitarian responses, rooted in Pan-African principles. The troops’ airlift was facilitated by a U.S. Air Force C-17 aircraft, highlighting international cooperation in the relief efforts. Minister of Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa praised the move, stating it positions Ghana as a leader in extending help beyond its borders, having recently provided aid to other nations facing crises.
As Jamaica continues its recovery from Hurricane Melissa – the strongest storm to ever make direct landfall on the island, with winds up to 185 mph and widespread destruction affecting over a million people – the arrival of Ghana’s “gallant soldiers” brings hope and practical support. Ghanaians have expressed immense pride online, celebrating the Armed Forces’ reputation for excellence in peacekeeping and disaster response worldwide.
