Ghana expresses solidarity with Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa disaster

The Government of Ghana has extended heartfelt condolences to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm that struck on October 28, 2025.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on November 3, Ghana said it deeply regrets the increasing death toll and widespread destruction resulting from the hurricane, which left communities displaced and infrastructure severely damaged.

President John Dramani Mahama, through a diplomatic note to Jamaica’s Prime Minister Andrew Holness, conveyed sympathy to the government and people of Jamaica.

“The President of the Republic of Ghana, His Excellency John Dramani Mahama, has, through a diplomatic note to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, His Excellency Andrew Holness, conveyed heartfelt condolences to the Government of Jamaica and the families of the deceased,” the statement said.

It added that the President “wished the injured speedy recovery and expressed sympathy to those rendered homeless by the disaster.”

The Foreign Ministry reaffirmed Ghana’s solidarity with Jamaica, expressing confidence in the country’s resilience and ability to rebuild after the disaster.

“The Republic of Ghana stands in solidarity with Jamaica as the nation navigates through these difficult times and expresses confidence in the resilience and determination of the Jamaican people to overcome this tragedy and rebuild their beautiful country,” the statement read.

The Government of Ghana also assured Jamaica of its continued support and friendship.

“The Government of Ghana wishes to assure the Government and the people of Jamaica of its support, solidarity, and best wishes,” it said.

Hurricane Melissa formed as a tropical disturbance in the southern Caribbean Sea on October 21 2025. The storm made landfall near New Hope in Jamaica’s Westmoreland parish on October 28, 2025, as a Category 5 hurricane.

The storm battered Jamaica’s western and southern parishes, with extreme winds tearing off roofs, uprooting trees, damaging hospitals and isolating communities.

At least tens of thousands of homes and businesses lost electricity. In some cases over half a million people were affected by power outages in the immediate aftermath.

Widespread flooding and storm surge reports of up to 3-4 metres in some coastal areas and extremely heavy rainfall caused landslides, inundated farmland and blocked roads.

Rescue efforts are underway across the country.