President John Dramani Mahama has reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian service as he officially saw off a contingent of the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) deployed to Jamaica on a reconstruction mission following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

The contingent, made up of eight officers and 45 soldiers, is being led by Colonel Emmanuel Asia.

Speaking at the departure ceremony, President Mahama described the deployment as a solemn yet proud national duty, underscoring Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and the enduring bonds shared within the African-Caribbean family.

He recalled that in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Ghana dispatched humanitarian assistance to Jamaica and Cuba, as well as to displaced populations in Sudan. The relief items included food supplies, locally produced Ghanaian rice, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, medicines and other essential items. According to the president, these interventions reflect Ghana’s long-standing commitment to international humanitarian assistance and global responsibility.

President Mahama noted that Ghana understands the trauma caused by natural disasters and the challenges of recovery, adding that the current mission reinforces the country’s dedication to humanitarian response, disaster recovery and reconstruction. He described the deployment as a practical demonstration of South-South cooperation, Pan-Africanism and Afro-Caribbean solidarity.

Commending the Ghana Armed Forces for their professionalism, discipline and readiness to serve wherever duty calls, President Mahama stressed that the mission is strictly humanitarian in nature.

“This is not a combat mission. It is a mission of compassion, skill and service,” he stated.

The president revealed that following the initial humanitarian support, he personally spoke with the Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness, to express Ghana’s solidarity. During the conversation, the Jamaican leader indicated that the most urgent needs were support for reconstruction and shelter for displaced persons.

In response, President Mahama offered to deploy Ghana’s engineering units to assist with rebuilding efforts and to supply tents to provide temporary shelter. While the tents are being transported by sea, the deployed troops will immediately engage in reconstruction works, technical and logistical support, and community-focused assistance.

He reminded the troops that they are ambassadors of the Republic of Ghana and that their conduct would shape how the country is perceived internationally. He urged them to uphold professionalism, respect local authorities and communities, demonstrate discipline, integrity and teamwork, protect one another and return home safely.

Ghana, he said, has earned a strong reputation for service abroad, and he expressed confidence that the deployed contingent would continue to uphold the nation’s honour and values.

“Through you, Ghana sends a clear message to the people and government of Jamaica that they are not alone,” President Mahama said, adding that the mission symbolises a bridge of solidarity across the Atlantic, grounded in shared history and mutual respect.

He concluded by expressing confidence that the troops would execute the mission with honour, humility and dedication, and that their efforts would bring hope and renewed strength to the people of Jamaica.

Before ending his remarks, President Mahama extended heartfelt appreciation to the government and people of the United States of America for their critical support. He explained that airlift capacity posed a major challenge to the mission, and that the United States stepped in to provide a C-17 aircraft to transport the troops and their equipment from Accra to Kingston.

President Mahama thanked US President Donald Trump and US authorities for the assistance, describing it as a further demonstration of friendship and cooperation, and wished the troops a successful mission and a safe return to Ghana.