New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi concluded a landmark visit to Ghana, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the West African nation in over three decades. The visit, characterized by a warm reception and significant bilateral discussions, saw India and Ghana elevate their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” signaling a new era of deeper cooperation across various sectors.
Upon his arrival in Accra on July 2nd, Prime Minister Modi was accorded a ceremonial welcome by Ghanaian President H.E. John Dramani Mahama, including a guard of honour and a 21-gun salute, underscoring the strong and historic bonds between the two nations. During the visit, PM Modi was also conferred with Ghana’s highest state honour, the “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana,” in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship and global leadership.
The core of the visit revolved around extensive delegation-level talks between PM Modi and President Mahama at the Jubilee House. These discussions focused on expanding cooperation in key areas such as trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people ties. Both leaders expressed satisfaction with the growing bilateral trade, which has already crossed USD 3 billion, and Indian investments in Ghana, amounting to approximately USD 2 billion across 900 projects. A significant outcome of the talks was the ambitious target to double mutual trade within the next five years.
A highlight of the visit was the signing of four key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs), further solidifying the framework for bilateral engagement:
- MoU on Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): This agreement aims to promote greater cultural understanding and exchanges in art, music, dance, literature, and heritage, fostering stronger people-to-people connections.
- MoU between Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) & Ghana Standards Authority (GSA): This MoU is designed to enhance cooperation in standardization, certification, and conformity assessment, facilitating smoother trade and ensuring quality.
- MoU between Institute of Traditional & Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana and Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India: This collaboration will focus on traditional medicine education, training, and research, bringing together ancient Indian wisdom with Ghana’s traditional practices.
- MoU on Joint Commission Meeting: This agreement will institutionalize high-level dialogue and ensure regular reviews of bilateral cooperation mechanisms, providing a structured approach to addressing shared interests and challenges.
Beyond the formal agreements, discussions also touched upon critical areas like defence and security, with both leaders agreeing to strengthen cooperation in armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply, and cybersecurity, guided by the principle of “Security through Solidarity.” India also offered to share its experiences in digital public infrastructure, including its successful UPI digital payments system, and expressed willingness to support Ghana’s efforts in agriculture and establishing a regional vaccine hub for West Africa.
The elevation of bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership signifies a deepening of trust and collaboration, with India positioning itself not just as a partner but a “co-traveler” in Ghana’s journey of nation-building. The visit reinforced India’s commitment to strengthening its engagement with Africa and its partners in the Global South, emphasizing shared democratic values, common struggles, and a collective vision for an inclusive future.