Historic visit to Ghana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by visiting Ghana’s capital, Accra, marking the first time in over three decades that an Indian Prime Minister has set foot in the West African nation. The visit was marked by warmth, important discussions, and new agreements that promise to strengthen the bond between India and Ghana.
A Warm and Special Welcome
When PM Modi arrived in Accra, he was greeted with great excitement and respect. Ghana’s President, John Mahama, personally welcomed him at the airport—a gesture that showed the importance Ghana places on its relationship with India. When Prime Minister Modi arrived in Ghana, he was greeted by cheers of “Hare Rama Hare Krishna” from the crowd, showing the close cultural connection and the lively Indian community living there.
Afterwards, Indian community members in Accra came together at the Kempinski Hotel to warmly greet Prime Minister Modi. The Indian community in Ghana has played a significant role in building bridges between the two countries, and their presence added a personal touch to the visit.
Honours and Ceremonies
President John Mahama honored Prime Minister Modi with a ceremonial guard of honour, a traditional gesture reserved for distinguished guests. The highlight of the visit came when PM Modi was awarded the “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana,” which is the highest civilian award in the country. This prestigious recognition was given in appreciation of Modi’s efforts to strengthen the friendship and cooperation between India and Ghana.
High-Level Talks and Shared Goals
Prime Minister Modi and President Mahama met for key discussions at Jubilee House, where the President of Ghana lives. Their discussions focused on a wide range of issues, from security and trade to cultural exchange and digital cooperation.
After the talks, PM Modi shared some of the key points that both leaders agreed upon:
United Against Terrorism: Both countries see terrorism as a major threat to humanity. PM Modi expressed his gratitude to Ghana for helping India combat terrorism, and both leaders decided to strengthen their cooperation in tackling such threats together.
Peaceful Solutions: PM Modi emphasized that conflicts should be resolved through talks and diplomacy, not war. He stressed the importance of dialogue in solving international problems.
Defence and Security: India and Ghana will work together to strengthen security, following the principle of “Security through Solidarity.”
Partnership in Development: On the topic of development, PM Modi said that India is more than just a partner to Ghana—it is a companion walking alongside Ghana as it builds its nation.
Trade and Investment: Trade between India and Ghana has already crossed $3 billion. Indian companies have invested about $2 billion in nearly 900 projects in Ghana. PM Modi announced plans to double trade between the two countries in the next five years.
Digital Payments: India’s successful digital payment system, Bharat UPI, will be shared with Ghana to help boost financial technology and digital payments in the country.
G20 and Africa: PM Modi expressed pride that under India’s G20 presidency, the African Union became a permanent member of the G20, giving Africa a stronger voice in global decision-making.
Four New Agreements Signed
During the visit, India and Ghana signed four important Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to further strengthen their partnership:
Cultural Exchange Programme: This agreement will encourage more cultural exchanges in areas like music, dance, art, literature, and heritage. It will help people from both countries learn more about each other’s traditions and cultures.
Cooperation in Standards: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) will work together to improve standardization, certification, and quality control. This will make it easier for products from both countries to meet each other’s requirements.
Traditional Medicine Collaboration: The Institute of Traditional & Alternative Medicine (ITAM) in Ghana and the Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) in India will join hands to promote education, training, and research in traditional medicine. This will help both countries share knowledge and best practices in healthcare.
Joint Commission Meetings: This agreement will set up regular high-level meetings between India and Ghana to review progress and discuss new areas of cooperation.
Symbolism and Friendship
PM Modi’s visit was not just about signing agreements—it was also about celebrating the deep-rooted friendship between India and Ghana. The warm welcome, the highest civilian award, and the enthusiastic support from the Indian community all highlighted the special bond between the two nations.
The visit was filled with powerful messages about peace, cooperation, and shared progress. PM Modi’s statements reflected India’s commitment to working with Ghana on global issues, supporting economic growth, and promoting cultural ties.
Looking Ahead: A Stronger Partnership
The agreements and discussions during PM Modi’s visit have set the stage for even closer cooperation between India and Ghana in the years to come. Both countries are committed to working together on trade, security, technology, and culture.
India’s promise to share its digital payment expertise and to help Ghana develop its financial technology sector is expected to bring new opportunities for businesses and consumers in both countries. The focus on traditional medicine and cultural exchange will help strengthen people-to-people connections.
The visit also sends a message to the world that India values its relationships with African nations and is ready to support their development and growth.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana was a landmark event that brought the two countries closer together. From the warm welcome and high-level talks to the signing of key agreements, every moment of the visit was aimed at building a stronger, more vibrant partnership.
As India and Ghana look to the future, the foundations laid during this visit will help both nations achieve greater prosperity, security, and understanding. The friendship between India and Ghana stands as a shining example of how countries can work together for the good of their people and the world.
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