The government of Ghana has deployed a contingent of engineers from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) to Jamaica to support repair and reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The 54 soldiers, drawn from the 14 Engineer Regiment, are expected to work with Jamaican authorities and international partners to rebuild critical infrastructure, including shelters, roads and public facilities. The deployment forms part of Ghana’s commitment to regional cooperation, humanitarian assistance and solidarity with Caribbean nations affected by natural disasters.
The operation, carried out in collaboration with the United States government, saw the US provide a C-17 military cargo aircraft to airlift the Ghanaian troops and their equipment to Kingston, Jamaica.
The deployment was preceded by a short parade to send off the servicemen on Wednesday, December 17, 2025. The ceremony was attended by President John Dramani Mahama, the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy, Rolf Olson, the Deputy Chief of Staff in charge of Operations, Stan Dogbe, the Chief of Defence Staff, Major General William Agyapong, and family members of the contingent.
Solidarity
Speaking at the event today in Accra, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the shared history, values and bonds within the African Caribbean family.
He said that in the aftermath of the hurricane, the government had also dispatched humanitarian assistance to the people of Jamaica and Cuba, as well as to displaced persons in Sudan.
“This humanitarian assistance included food aid, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines, and other such accoutrements. Ghana has consistently stood for international solidarity, humanitarian assistance, and global responsibility,” he said.
President Mahama noted that Ghana understood the pain caused by natural disasters and the long road to recovery, which informed the decision to provide support. He added that the government was also dispatching tents by sea to provide temporary shelter, while the troops assist with the reconstruction of buildings and provide support to affected communities in Jamaica.
Commendation
The President thanked President Donald Trump and the people of the United States for making the mission possible by providing airlift support for the deployment.
“So, today we have this C-17 aircraft that is going to lift the troops from Accra to Kingston with their supplies to provide the support and succour for the people of Jamaica. I wish to thank again our friendly brothers and sisters of the United States of America,” he said.
He also commended the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline and readiness to serve both at home and abroad, stressing that the mission was not a combat operation but one of compassion, skill and service.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs also thanked the US Embassy, particularly the Chargé d’Affaires, for his role in securing the aircraft to transport the contingent. He commended President Mahama for what he described as a decisive shift in Ghana’s foreign policy from receiving assistance to sharing with others, noting that the country had so far sent five humanitarian consignments abroad.
Support
For his part, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, Rolf Olson, said the United States responded positively to Ghana’s request for airlift support, reflecting the strong bilateral relationship between the two countries.
He said the US was honoured to support Ghana’s mission and Jamaica’s recovery by providing strategic airlift for the GAF 14 Engineer Regiment.
“A US Air Force C-17 will transport 54 Ghanaian military service members and nine pallets of essential equipment, over 65,000 pounds of personnel and cargo, to Jamaica.
“The US and Ghana have long worked together to advance peace, security, and prosperity across Africa and beyond. Today’s operation reflects the best of our collaboration, rapid response, technical expertise, and a willingness to help those in need,” he said.
Mr Olson added that the US had so far provided nearly $37 million in emergency, life-saving assistance and on-the-ground support across the region in response to Hurricane Melissa. This includes more than $22 million for Jamaica, $11 million for Haiti, $3 million for Cuba and $500,000 for the Bahamas.
He affirmed that the United States remained committed to helping its neighbours recover from the disaster and would continue to explore additional ways to provide meaningful assistance during this critical period.
