Government of Ghana Extends Humanitarian Support to Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan with ₵10 Million Relief Package

The Government of Ghana has donated ₵10 million in humanitarian aid to Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan to support recovery efforts following the recent devastating hurricanes that struck the three nations.

President John Dramani Mahama made the announcement during a symbolic ceremony held at Jubilee House on Friday 7th November, 2025.

The assistance package, coordinated by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, aims to provide relief to victims of Hurricane Melissa — which ravaged Jamaica and Cuba in late October — and to those affected by the prolonged conflict in Sudan.

Ghana’s Tradition of Solidarity:

Speaking at the brief ceremony, President Mahama reaffirmed Ghana’s longstanding commitment to international solidarity and mutual aid.

“Ghana has a tradition of solidarity and compassion,” he said. “This gesture continues our history of standing with nations in distress, as we did with Japan during the tsunami disaster.”

The President described the recent hurricane as “one of the most devastating storms to strike the Caribbean in recent years,” noting that Hurricane Melissa, a Category 5 storm, caused massive destruction across Jamaica and Cuba, claiming hundreds of lives and inflicting billions of dollars in damage.

“As a result of climate change, extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. For the Caribbean nations, hurricanes have become like a game of Russian Roulette,” President Mahama observed.

Details of the Aid Package:

The ₵10 million relief package includes:

2,400 bags of Ghana-produced rice

540 bags of sugar

377 boxes of assorted medication

1,500 mattresses and 500 pillows

100 cartons of fortified porridge (Gari mix)

50,000 pieces of T-shirts

20 containers of assorted chocolate and cocoa products

20 water storage tanks (500 liters each)

20 hand wash stations

10 portable toilets

Assorted clothing

According to President Mahama, 50% of the supplies will be sent to Jamaica, 30% to Cuba, and 20% will be delivered through the International Red Cross to displaced communities in Sudan.

Spotlight on Sudan’s “Forgotten War”

The President also drew attention to the ongoing crisis in Sudan, which he described as “a forgotten war” overshadowed by global attention on Ukraine and Gaza.

“Sudan is virtually becoming the forgotten war,” he said. “The atrocities, genocide, and humanitarian suffering there should not be happening in the 21st century.”

While acknowledging that Ghana’s contribution alone cannot solve the crisis, President Mahama urged collective international action.

“Even though our contribution may seem modest, if every country contributes its quota, we can help alleviate the suffering in these places.”

Private Sector Partnership

The President commended the Ghanaian private sector for its strong response and contributions to the initiative.

“We appealed to business people, and they really came up. These products have been donated by Ghanaian and foreign businesses. On behalf of government, I say a big thank you to them for this humanitarian gesture.”

Diplomatic Appreciation

The event also included a farewell acknowledgment for the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, who is set to depart after seven years of service in Ghana, strengthening Ghana-Lebanon relations.

Receiving the donation, the Jamaican High Commissioner to Ghana, H.E. Lincoln George Downer, who spoke on behalf of the Governments of Cuba and Sudan, expressed profound gratitude to the Government and people of Ghana for their timely support and show of brotherhood.

“This gesture from Ghana reflects the spirit of unity and friendship that binds our nations together. On behalf of Jamaica, Cuba, and Sudan, we extend our heartfelt appreciation for this generous humanitarian assistance,” H.E. Downer stated.

The three beneficiary countries have been grappling with widespread destruction of infrastructure, displacement of citizens, and loss of livelihoods as a result of the recent hurricanes. Ghana’s donation is expected to bolster ongoing recovery and relief operations in the affected regions.

Government officials emphasized that Ghana remains committed to playing an active role in supporting global humanitarian efforts and fostering international cooperation in times of crisis.