By Prince Ahenkorah
Ghana has confirmed plans to send its 48th Engineers Army Regiment to provide vital emergency shelter and humanitarian assistance to the citizens of Cuba and Jamaica following the destruction wreaked by Hurricane Melissa.
President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement, underscoring the significance of Pan-African solidarity in times of crisis. He noted that Caribbean leaders, including Barbados’ Prime Minister Mia Mottley, have begun to grasp the full scale of the devastation, intensifying the need for immediate support.
“When the hurricane struck, we had not yet fully appreciated the extent of the damage or the specific needs of our brothers and sisters in Jamaica and Cuba,” Mahama explained. “However, driven by our Pan-Africanist spirit, we mobilized resources, gathering food, medicine, blankets, mattresses, plastic buckets, and other essential supplies.”
After consultations with Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, it became evident that the displaced residents faced an urgent need for shelter to shield them from the elements.
“The level of destruction in Jamaica surpasses our capacity to address alone,” Mahama remarked, revealing that appeals have been made to fellow African Union member states for additional assistance, specifically for blankets and tarpaulins to erect makeshift tents.
In response to the dire situation, Ghana has committed to deploying its 48th Engineers Army Regiment, which includes skilled engineers, masons, carpenters, and various other specialists, who will assist in constructing temporary shelters and procuring tarpaulins for the affected communities.
Mahama emphasized that while this support may not entirely resolve the crisis, it stands as a testament to Pan-African unity and will significantly impact those in need.
He further encouraged all African nations to contribute as they are able and pledged Ghana’s unwavering commitment to maintaining solidarity with its Caribbean partners during this challenging time.