The Ghana Armed Forces (GAF) has held a mission accomplishment parade in honour of a 54-member engineering contingent that returned from a humanitarian reconstruction assignment in Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa.
The ceremony, held at the 48 Engineers Parade Square at Wajir Barracks in Teshie on Tuesday, March 17, 2026, marked the formal recognition of the Army Engineer Reconstruction Team (ERT) Company 1, which spent 90 days undertaking critical rebuilding works in the Caribbean country.
The team, drawn largely from the 14 Engineer Regiment with support from the 48th, 49th and 50th regiments, was deployed on December 16, 2025, after a formal request from the Jamaican government. Their mission focused on restoring homes and public facilities, particularly in the Saint Elizabeth Parish, including Middle Quarters, Black River and surrounding communities.
Addressing the ceremony, President John Dramani Mahama, who is also Commander-in-Chief of the GAF, praised the contingent for its professionalism and discipline throughout what he described as a demanding but impactful assignment. He noted that the operation reflected Ghana’s broader commitment to international humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
The President further described the deployment as a demonstration of solidarity rooted in shared Afro-Caribbean history, emphasising that such collaborations strengthened ties between Ghana, Jamaica and other countries in the region.
During the parade, the President presented a citation to the contingent in recognition of its “outstanding service and successful accomplishment” of the mission, which contributed to improving living conditions in several affected communities. He also commended the Officer Commanding the team, Colonel Emmanuel Asia, for what he described as exemplary leadership.
The reconstruction effort included the rebuilding of more than 26 homes and public facilities, with a particular emphasis on roofing works in hurricane-affected areas. The Ghanaian engineers worked in collaboration with the Jamaica Defence Force and partners from the United States to deliver the projects.
The ceremony was attended by the Deputy Minister for Defence, Ernest Brogya Genfi, the Chief of the Defence Staff, Lieutenant General William Agyapong, service chiefs, senior military officers, as well as families of the personnel and pupils from schools within the Wajir Barracks enclave.
