Ghana has officially extended the stay of its troops deployed to Jamaica to support post-disaster reconstruction, beyond the initial 90-day period.
Paying a courtesy call on Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, a Ghanaian delegation led by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Deputy Defence Minister, Brogya Genfi announced that President John Dramani Mahama has approved an additional 30 days for the troops to remain in the country.
The visit to Jamaica forms part of an inspection tour to assess the activities of Ghanaian troops deployed to assist in rebuilding affected communities following Hurricane Melissa.
Following a formal request by Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs for an extension of the deployment, Foreign Affairs Minister Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that President Mahama had granted approval for the troops to remain in Jamaica.
In response, Prime Minister Andrew Holness expressed appreciation to President Mahama and the people of Ghana for their timely support and solidarity since the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa.
Hurricane Melissa caused widespread damage in parts of Jamaica, leaving several communities with destroyed homes, damaged public infrastructure and disrupted livelihoods. In the wake of the disaster, international partners, including Ghana, provided technical and humanitarian assistance to support recovery and reconstruction efforts.
Meanwhile, President John Dramani Mahama is seeking the support of Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr Andrew Holness, ahead of plans to file a resolution at the United Nations on March 25, calling for the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade to be declared the greatest crime against humanity.
Delivering the request on behalf of the President, Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said President Mahama is counting on Jamaica’s backing to push for total justice and global accountability for the atrocities associated with slavery.
According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, the proposed resolution forms part of Ghana’s broader advocacy for historical justice, reparations, and international recognition of the lasting impact of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade on Africa and the diaspora.
In his response, Prime Minister Andrew Holness welcomed the initiative and reaffirmed Jamaica’s commitment to advancing global conversations on slavery, reparatory justice, and the protection of the dignity of people of African descent.
