President John Dramani Mahama has announced that Ghana will deploy personnel from the 48th Engineers Regiment to Jamaica to support reconstruction efforts following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.

According to him, this directive aligns with Ghana’s commitment to Pan-Africanism and its solidarity with the African diaspora.

The president made the announcement during his address at Kenya’s 62nd Jamhuri Day celebration on Friday, December 12, 2025.

“Ghana, in the spirit of Pan-African solidarity, is sending troops from our 48th Engineers Regiment to help Jamaica in its rebuilding efforts after the devastating Hurricane Melissa,” the president said.

The deployment comes as Jamaica continues to grapple with severe infrastructural damage left by the hurricane, which battered communities, destroyed homes, and disrupted essential services.

President Mahama, in celebrating Kenya’s independence, further highlighted the enduring ties between Ghana and Kenya, referencing the historic friendship between Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta.

“On this day, we pay respect to the memory of our forebearers who fought for our freedom and we do not take their sacrifice for granted. The friendship between our independence leaders, Jomo Kenyatta and Kwame Nkrumah has become an enduring flame that has continued to bind our two countries together,” he indicated.

He also called for renewed commitment across Africa to economic independence, value addition, transparency in leadership, and youth empowerment.

“Our forebears won us political independence. It is the responsibility of our current generation of African leadership to win economic independence and prosperity for our people. Africa faces many challenges, including a global order that is rigged against its systems that make us suppliers of unprocessed raw materials and importers of finished products. The time has come for us to add value to Africa's exports,” he stated.

President Mahama arrives in Kenya for Jamhuri Day

President Mahama added, “The time has come for us to claim a fairer share of our natural resource endowments. The time has come for us to provide transparent and accountable leadership. The time has come for us to unleash the creativity and energies of our young people. We must increase trade amongst ourselves, and so we commend the protocol on the African Continental Free Trade Area.”

Mahama also praised Kenya for its recent intervention in Haiti, describing it as an act of Pan-African responsibility that reflects shared values across the continent and the diaspora.

“We must show Pan-African solidarity with all members of the African diaspora and that's why I wish to express the sincerest appreciation of the people of Ghana to the people of Kenya for your timely intervention in Haiti, to bring relief to the long-suffering people of Haiti,” he expressed.

The Jamhuri Day is a significant national event that commemorates Kenya’s independence and showcases the country’s rich cultural heritage.

President Mahama was accompanied on his visit by Dr Callistus Mahama, Executive Secretary to the President; and Stanislav Xoese Dogbe, Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations.

MAG/AE

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