President John Dramani Mahama, Commander-in-Chief of the Ghana Armed Forces, officially bid farewell to a contingent of 54 military engineers on Thursday as they departed for Jamaica to assist with reconstruction efforts following a devastating hurricane. Addressing the troops during a farewell parade at the Jubilee Lounge of the Kotoka International Airport, the President underscored that the deployment serves as a powerful symbol of the cordial bilateral relations between Ghana and Jamaica and reaffirms Ghana’s steadfast commitment to international solidarity.
President Mahama reminded the personnel that their conduct on the ground would directly impact Ghana’s global reputation, and he charged them to maintain the highest standards of professional excellence and integrity. He further urged the engineers to work closely with local authorities, respect the affected communities, and prioritize mutual safety throughout the duration of the mission. The contingent’s primary mandate involves the construction of emergency shelters and providing technical support for critical infrastructure repairs.
During his address, the President extended his gratitude to the United States government for providing the necessary airlift capacity, noting that this cooperation was vital in overcoming significant logistical hurdles. The ceremony was attended by high-ranking officials including the Chief of Staff, Julius Debrah, Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, and Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alongside the Military High Command and members of the diplomatic corps. President Mahama concluded the event by wishing the troops a successful mission and a safe return to Ghana.
Ruth Abla ADJORLOLO
