Ghana sends military personnel to Jamaica to aid in relief and reconstruction efforts(PHOTOS)
57
Fifty-four (54) members of the Ghana Armed Forces’ 14 Engineer Brigade, Engineer Contingent 1, have been sent to Jamaica by the Republic of Ghana to assist with the country’s reconstruction efforts in the wake of Hurricane Melissa, which killed over forty people and caused an estimated US$8.8 billion in damage.
The deployment demonstrates Ghana’s dedication to humanitarian aid, international solidarity, and fostering closer links with the Diaspora.
His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, President of the Republic of Ghana and Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, emphasised Ghana’s solidarity with Jamaica, the mission’s humanitarian and technical aspects, and the Ghana Armed Forces’ function as the country’s ambassadors abroad during the departure ceremony.
President Mahama emphasised their roles in technical and logistical support, engineering, rehabilitation, and community-focused aid.
He went on to say that he was confident in their teamwork, professionalism, and integrity. He expressed gratitude to the United States for helping to airlift the mission’s people and equipment.
He pledged Ghana’s dedication to South-South cooperation and Afro-Caribbean solidarity.
In his welcome speech, Honourable Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), the Minister of Foreign Affairs, emphasised that Ghana’s foreign policy is driven by a dedication to solidarity and support for countries in need and mentioned humanitarian aid given to Sudan, Palestine, and Cuba.
He highlighted that the deployment is in response to a formal request from Jamaica’s prime minister and expressed gratitude to the US government for providing a C-17 aircraft to carry Ghanaian troops and necessary equipment for the restoration work.
In his speech, Mr. Rolf Olson, the Chargé d’Affaires of the US Embassy in Ghana, praised the two nations’ bilateral cooperation and highlighted their efforts to advance prosperity, security, and peace.
Additionally, he recalled the United States of America’s support for Jamaica and guaranteed that it would continue.
The deployed Engineer Contingent will work with the Jamaican government and foreign partners to help community reconstruction efforts, provide temporary shelter, and restore infrastructure.
Senior government officials, members of the Ghanaian military, members of the Diplomatic Corps, and representatives from Jamaica were present at the event.
Source: newsthemegh.com
