Ghana sends 54 military engineers to Jamaica after deadly Hurricane Melissa

By Mevlut Ozkan

ISTANBUL (AA) - Ghana has deployed 54 military engineers to Jamaica to help rebuild critical infrastructure after Hurricane Melissa killed more than 40 people and caused an estimated $8.8 billion in damage, Ghana’s Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday.

The contingent from the Ghana Armed Forces’ 14 Engineer Brigade will provide engineering, reconstruction, and logistical support as Jamaica works with international partners to restore affected communities, a ministry statement said on US social media platform Facebook.

President John Dramani Mahama, senior government officials, military commanders, diplomats, and Jamaican representatives all attended a departure ceremony.

Mahama said the deployment underscored Ghana’s solidarity with Jamaica and the humanitarian and technical nature of the mission, describing the troops as ambassadors tasked with engineering, reconstruction, and community support.

He thanked the US for airlifting the personnel while reaffirming Ghana’s commitment to Afro-Caribbean solidarity and South-South cooperation.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the Ghanaian foreign policy is "guided by a commitment to solidarity and support for nations in need and referred to humanitarian assistance extended to Palestine, Cuba and Sudan."

He said the deployment was made at the formal request of Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness.

US Charge d'Affaires Rolf Olson praised the Ghana-US partnership, citing joint efforts to promote peace, security, and prosperity, and recalled Washington's assistance to Jamaica while pledging continued support.

Hurricane Melissa battered Haiti, Jamaica, and Cuba in late October, causing widespread destruction and loss of life.

The death toll in Haiti and Jamaica from flooding and landslides linked to the storm had risen to 88 as of Dec. 2, including at least 45 deaths in Jamaica and 43 in Haiti, according to the Center for Disaster Philanthropy.