PM MODI VISITS GHANA
- On 3rd July 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Dramani Mahama.
- This was the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years, marking a historic milestone in India-Ghana relations.
- The honour underscores the deepening bilateral ties between India and Ghana and reflects India’s growing engagement with the Global South.
WHERE IS GHANA?
- Ghana is located in West Africa, along the Gulf of Guinea.
- It is bordered by Côted’ Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
- Its capital, Accra, is a prominent coastal city known for regional diplomacy and economic activity.
- Ghana spans an area of 238,535 sq km and has a population of approximately 33 million as of 2025.
- Formerly known as the Gold Coast, Ghana was the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British rule in 1957, becoming a symbol of Africa’s anti-colonial movement.
HISTORICAL TIES
- India and Ghana share a strong historical relationship rooted in anti-colonial struggles and shared democratic values.
- Ghana’s first President Kwame Nkrumah and India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru were key figures in the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), promoting solidarity among newly independent nations during the Cold War.
- India supported Ghana’s independence movement and has since maintained cordial ties through cultural exchanges, economic cooperation, and development assistance.
- The Indian community in Ghana, numbering over 15,000, includes fourth-generation families and plays a significant role in local commerce and industry.
WHY GHANA MATTERS TO INDIA?
A. Geopolitical Significance
- Ghana is a regional leader in West Africa, playing an active role in both the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
- India views Ghana as a valued partner in the Global South, and PM Modi called it a “Beacon of Hope” for democracy in Africa.
- Ghana supports India’s initiatives in international forums, and India reciprocates by investing in infrastructure, defence, and governance
- India has contributed to building Jubilee House, the presidential palace in Ghana, and has assisted Ghana’s air force and intelligence services.
- During PM Modi’s visit, both countries agreed to upgrade their ties to a “Comprehensive Partnership” with cooperation in security, maritime domain awareness, and cybersecurity.
- The visit is seen as part of India’s effort to balance other global powers like China in Africa and boost its own strategic footprint on the continent.
ECONOMIC & TRADE TALKS
- The bilateral trade between India and Ghana has exceeded $3 billion, with Indian investments amounting to $2 billion across 900 projects.
- Key sectors of investment include agriculture, pharmaceuticals, healthcare, and infrastructure.
- Ghana’s economy is resource-rich, with major exports including gold, cocoa, and oil, making it an attractive trade partner for India.
- During the 2025 visit, India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) in the fields of agriculture, digital technology, health, and skill development.
- India committed support to Ghana’s “Feed Ghana” programme and announced plans to establish a Skill Development Centre.
- Indian initiatives such as Jan Aushadhi Kendra (affordable medicine) and Bharat UPI (digital payments) were offered as models for Ghana’s development.
- According to reports, India plans to double trade with Ghana in five years, leveraging Ghana’s strategic location as a gateway to West African markets.
- Indian companies like Tata and Mahindra have a strong presence, and India has expressed interest in vaccine manufacturing cooperation, aligning with Ghana’s goal to become Africa’s vaccine hub.
DEVELOPMENTAL & CULTURAL COOPERATION
- India has extended development assistance by doubling the number of ITEC and ICCR scholarships available to Ghanaian students.
- Vocational training, education, and capacity-building initiatives have been strengthened to foster long-term partnerships.
- During his visit, PM Modi addressed Ghana’s Parliament and engaged with the Indian diaspora, who welcomed him with slogans of ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’.
- These people-to-people connections strengthen India’s soft power and enhance the cultural affinity between the two nations.
- PM Modi emphasized that shared democratic traditions and values will continue to shape the future of India-Ghana relations.
WHY PM MODI’S HONOUR IS IMPORTANT?
- The award of The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana to PM Modi is a significant diplomatic gesture that reflects Ghana’s respect for India and recognition of Modi’s role in enhancing the partnership.
- The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the aspirations of the youth, the future of both nations, and their shared cultural and historical heritage.
- The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) described the award as a tribute to the long-standing and deep-rooted ties between India and Ghana.
- According to sources, this is PM Modi’s 24th international award, highlighting India’s rising global stature under his leadership.
- The visit featured a ceremonial welcome, 21-gun salute, and wide-ranging talks with President Mahama, as part of Modi’s broader five-nation diplomatic tour.
- PM Modi’s speech in Accra reaffirmed India’s commitment to a stronger and enduring partnership with Ghana and the broader African continent.
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