A 54-member engineering team from the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) touched down in Jamaica last night, ready to assist in the recovery efforts following the devastating impact of Hurricane Melissa.

The contingent, comprising personnel from the 48, 49, and 50 Engineers Regiments, will collaborate with the 1 Engineer Regiment of the Jamaica Defence Force. Their mission focuses on repairing critical infrastructure and constructing temporary shelters for families displaced by the hurricane.

The deployment was facilitated by a United States military airlift, highlighting a strengthening partnership between Ghana, the US, and nations in the Caribbean when responding to crises.

Ghana’s response to Jamaica extends beyond this troop deployment. Immediately after Hurricane Melissa caused billions of dollars in damage and left thousands vulnerable, Accra dispatched essential humanitarian aid, including food, blankets, mattresses, and medicine.

Following a formal request from Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness for reconstruction assistance and shelter support, Ghana augmented its aid with this practical technical deployment. The engineers will concentrate on infrastructure repairs, emergency housing construction, and providing logistical and community support in the coming weeks.

President John Dramani Mahama described the mission as a continuation of Ghana’s long-standing commitment to global humanitarian assistance, emphasizing the importance of Pan-African and Afro-Caribbean solidarity.

The deployment has, however, ignited debate within Ghana. Opposition members and the parliamentary minority have raised concerns about the lack of parliamentary deliberation before sending troops abroad, arguing that constitutional and financial oversight procedures were not followed. Some commentators have also questioned whether Ghana’s own infrastructure needs should have taken precedence.

Addressing these concerns, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended the government’s decision, asserting its alignment with established foreign policy and humanitarian obligations. He stressed in parliamentary briefings that such missions bolster Ghana’s diplomatic standing and reinforce its relationships with other nations.

“Aid is more than charity — it is diplomacy at work,” Minister Ablakwa stated, adding that Ghana’s engagement with Jamaica demonstrates a proactive and principled approach to international cooperation.

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