Jamaica welcomes Ghana engineers, doctors to support Hurricane Melissa recovery

Jamaica has welcomed 49 army engineers and five medical doctors from Ghana to assist with reconstruction and recovery efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa on October 28.

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The contingent arrived at Norman Manley International Airport on December 18 and was formally received by Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator the Hon. Kamina Johnson Smith.

Speaking at a reception for the team, Johnson Smith expressed Jamaica’s gratitude to the government and people of Ghana, describing the deployment as a reflection of a deep and enduring partnership between the two countries.

“We are deeply grateful that this engagement is demonstrating the depth of the Ghana/Jamaica partnership that has continued to grow and has been long-standing even before we entered diplomatic relations in 1968,” the minister said.

She noted that Ghana’s President, John Dramani Mahama, responded swiftly to a request from Prime Minister Andrew Holness, following discussions between the two leaders held just weeks earlier.

Head of the Ghanaian contingent, Emanuel Asia, said the team arrived smoothly and is ready to begin work on the ground.

“Ghana has a long-standing relationship with this country, dating back to the 1950s during our first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah,” Colonel Asia said. “We are very delighted and grateful that we have the opportunity to physically visit this country to consolidate the relationship Ghana has had with Jamaica, and we pledge that we are here to solidarise and work together.”

The deployment includes military engineers who will support rebuilding efforts, along with medical doctors to assist communities affected by the hurricane.

In comments to the media in Ghana, President Mahama said the mission underscores his country’s commitment to international solidarity and humanitarian assistance, while also strengthening ties between Ghana and the diaspora.

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Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage across several parishes in Jamaica, prompting international support as the country continues its recovery and rebuilding efforts.