Ghana Sends 54 Engineers to Rebuild Jamaica After Hurricane

When Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica's Black River and Saint Elizabeth communities, help arrived from an unexpected place: Ghana, over 4,000 miles away across the Atlantic.

The Ghana Armed Forces deployed 54 engineers from their 14 Engineer Brigade to Jamaica in October 2025. Their mission was simple but vital: rebuild homes and restore hope for families who lost everything in the storm.

Colonel Emmanuel Assiah led the specialized team as they worked alongside the Jamaican Defence Force and international partners. The engineers brought technical expertise honed through years of military training, applying it to construct safe, quality homes for hurricane survivors.

Jamaica's Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Camina Johnson Smith, met with the team to personally thank them. She commended the Ghanaian personnel for their craftsmanship and unwavering commitment to helping communities rebuild their lives.

The real measure of success came from the people whose homes were restored. Residents of Saint Elizabeth didn't hold back their gratitude. "We appreciate everything that you have done here. All the work done has been so nice, and I just want to thank you for helping us," they told the team.

The Ripple Effect

This deployment represents something bigger than construction work. Ghana, a developing nation itself, chose to share its resources and expertise with another country in crisis. The mission strengthens ties between African and Caribbean nations while demonstrating that humanitarian aid flows in all directions, not just from wealthy countries to poorer ones.

The engineers continue their reconstruction efforts, working in partnership with local teams to ensure homes meet Jamaican building standards and can better withstand future storms. Their presence also provides training opportunities for local workers, creating knowledge transfer that will benefit Jamaica long after the team returns home.

The collaboration showcases the power of international solidarity when disasters strike. Countries supporting each other across continents reminds us that compassion and helping hands know no borders. As the Ghanaian team hammers the final nails into rebuilt homes, they're constructing more than just shelter—they're building bridges between nations and proving that we rise together.