President John Dramani Mahama has commended the Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) for enhancing Ghana’s international reputation following their humanitarian deployment to Jamaica after a devastating hurricane.

Addressing officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces Engineer Reconstruction Team on March 18, 2026, he described the mission as both a moral obligation and a demonstration of Ghana’s commitment to global solidarity, rooted in longstanding historical and cultural ties between Ghana and Jamaica.

“Ghana and Jamaica share more than diplomatic relations. We are bound by history and cultural kinship and also by a common heritage rooted in the African experience. It was therefore both a moral responsibility and an expression of genuine solidarity that Ghana responded to Jamaica in its moment of need,” he said.

He noted that the successful operation has given practical meaning to the friendship between the two countries, stressing that modern security challenges now extend beyond conventional threats to include natural disasters, climate-related emergencies, and humanitarian crises.

According to him, the deployment highlights the evolving role of the GAF as not only a pillar of national defence but also a key instrument for humanitarian support, regional cooperation, and international peace.

“Your deployment to Jamaica is therefore a clear demonstration that the Ghana Armed Forces remains not only a pillar of national defence, but also an instrument of humanitarian support, regional cooperation, and international peace and solidarity,” he indicated.

Ghana to deploy troops to Jamaica to help hurricane hit victims - President Mahama

President Mahama said the conduct of the team has reinforced Ghana’s image as a dependable and responsible partner, while also strengthening bilateral military cooperation between the Ghana Armed Forces and their counterparts across the Caribbean.

“It stands as a permanent record of your distinguished service and of the significant contribution you have made both to the people of Jamaica and to Ghana's standing in the international community. Your exemplary conduct has also contributed to strengthening bilateral military cooperation between the Ghana Armed Forces and the Jamaican Defence Forces, while deepening Ghana's ties with sister security institutions across the Caribbean, including the Tex and Caicos Islands, Guyana, Bermuda, Barbados, and the Cayman Islands. In that regard, you have reinforced Ghana's reputation as a dependable and responsible international partner,” he stated.

He added that the mission deepened ties with several regional security institutions, further elevating Ghana’s diplomatic and military presence on the global stage.

The President paid special tribute to team leader Kenel Emanuel-Asia, whose leadership, coordination, and operational foresight he said were instrumental to the success of the mission.

He praised the entire contingent for demonstrating courage, discipline, resilience, and compassion values for which the Ghanaian soldier is widely recognised.

President Mahama urged the personnel to carry forward the experience and high standards demonstrated during the mission into their future assignments, both at home and abroad.

He congratulated the team for a successful and honourable mission, noting that their service continues to inspire confidence in the Ghana Armed Forces and reflects positively on Ghana’s standing in the international community.

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'Ghana is Proud of You' — Mahama praises GAF Team after Jamaica hurricane mission



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Meanwhile, watch as Dr Nyaho-Tamakloe scores Mahama govt high, only next to Nkrumah’s in the video below: