President John Dramani Mahama has deployed troops from the 48, 49 and 50 Engineer Regiments to offer support to Jamaica's post-hurricane reconstruction.

The United Nations, has reported that Jamaica is struggling to rebuild after Hurricane Melissa’s unprecedented destruction fifty days on.

As a result, President Mahama decided to send engineering troops following direct discussions with Jamaica’s Prime Minister after initial relief supplies were delivered.

Addressing the soldie sent on the aid mission, President Mahama said the deployment reflected Ghana’s long-standing commitment to helping countries in need.

"We’re gathered here today for a solemn and proud national duty to see off officers and men of the Ghana Armed Forces who have been selected to represent Ghana on a humanitarian reconstruction mission to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.”

“This deployment reflects Ghana’s solidarity with the people of Jamaica and our shared history, values, and bonds within the African-Caribbean family,” the President said.

Adding his comment to the address, Minister for Foreign Affairs, Honourable Okudzeto Ablakwa noted that the nation is grateful to the gallant men and women for always making Ghana proud in various theatres across the world.

"President John Dramani Mahama believes that our foreign policy should be defined by not how much we can take from others but by how much we share with others. We all do know that Hurricane Melissa has rigged a lot of havoc. Over 40 Jamaicans have died. Analysts say that the destruction is in excess of 8.8 billion dollars and our friendly nation of Jamaica is on its needs," Mr Ablakwa indicated.

Deputy Chief of Mission at the U.S. Embassy in Accra, Rolf Olson shared his remarks.

"The United State is honoured to support Ghana's mission and to make this recovery by providing strategic C-17 air lift support for the fourteenth engineering brigade of Ghana's army," he stated.

According to reports by the United Nations, fifty days have passed since Hurricane Melissa ravaged Jamaica, leaving behind an unprecedented trail of destruction.

Current estimates place the total damage and loss between $8 billion and $15 billion – nearly a quarter of Jamaica’s gross domestic product (GDP), said Dennis Zulu, UN Resident Coordinator for Jamaica, the Bahamas, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and Turks and Caicos.

The hurricane affected more than 626,000 people and claimed 45,000 lives, underscoring its profound human toll.

Despite notable progress in recovery efforts, 90 emergency shelters are still up and running, accommodating nearly 950 people who have yet to return home.

Entire communities are still fully exposed, with at least 120,000 buildings – most of them in southwestern Jamaica – having lost their roofs, reported Mr. Zulu.

Hurricane Melissa triggered “prolonged” and “cascading” disruptions to essential services, added the resident coordinator.

“Western parishes were left without electricity for weeks on end.”

In addition, many children remain out of school due to extensive damage to educational facilities.

Approximately 450 schools, nearly two-thirds of all institutions nationwide, have reported significant impacts, including roof loss, structural failure, and other damages.

The tourism industry and agricultural production – once the cornerstones of Jamaica’s economy and major sources of employment – have suffered extensive damage, putting thousands of jobs and livelihoods at risk, adding further strain.

“This scale of destruction has not only been unprecedented, but it has also really reversed hard-won development gains in a country that was firmly on a positive social and economic trajectory,” emphasised M. Zulu.

Despite these challenges, the United Nations continues to work closely with the Government of Jamaica, national institutions, civil society, and international partners, delivering life-saving aid to the most vulnerable communities.

Immediate priorities for recovery include restoring health services to safe and fully functional operating levels.

Efforts will be made to support the education sector, particularly as schools prepare to reopen. Assistance will be provided to restore essential community services in areas still without access. Recovery plans will contribute to the repair and reconstruction of homes, roads, and critical infrastructure.

Livelihoods will be restored through targeted support to small farmers, fishers, and micro and small enterprises.

The agriculture sector will be strengthened to enhance food production, food security, and rural employment. Support will be extended to the tourism sector, a key employer and source of foreign exchange, to safeguard jobs and accelerate recovery.

All recovery efforts will be inclusive, climate-resilient, and risk-informed, enabling Jamaica to rebuild stronger and better than before.