PM Modi’s Historic Visit to Ghana: Deepening Ties and Championing Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to Ghana marks a milestone in India–Ghana relations, being the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. This tour, part of a larger diplomatic itinerary covering several countries including Trinidad & Tobago, Namibia, and Brazil for the BRICS summit, underlines India’s renewed focus on strengthening ties with Africa and the Global South.

PM Modi is on an official visit to Ghana - the first by an Indian prime minister in the last three decades. (Photo: X/BJP) | Business Standard

Celebrating a Friendship Sweeter Than Pineapple

In an eloquent and heartfelt address to the Ghanaian Parliament, PM Modi celebrated the unique bond between India and Ghana. He fondly compared the friendship to Ghana’s famous Sugar Loaf Pineapple, saying it is even sweeter, a remark warmly received by Ghanaian legislators. He reflected on the shared history of colonial struggles that both nations endured, emphasizing how those challenges forged a resilient and fearless spirit.

Modiji highlighted the vibrancy and diversity of Indian democracy, noting India’s 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages, and thousands of dialects. The Ghanaian audience responded with appreciation, recognizing a kindred spirit in Ghana’s own democratic journey. Praising Ghana as a “land of gold” not just for its mineral wealth but for the spirit and warmth of its people, Modiji called Ghana an inspiration for the African continent in its democratic values and courage.

Honoured with Ghana’s Prestigious National Award

During the visit, Prime Minister Modi was bestowed with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, one of Ghana’s highest civilian honours. The accolade was conferred by President John Mahama in recognition of Modiji’s distinguished leadership and efforts to deepen bilateral ties. Modiji humbly dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India, and particularly to the youth of both nations, symbolizing a partnership rooted in people-to-people connections.

The Order of the Star of Ghana, established in 1960, is reserved for individuals who have rendered exceptional service to Ghana or fostered international goodwill. Modiji’s reception of this honour reflects not only his personal stature but the growing strategic and cultural relationship between the two democracies.

Elevating Bilateral Relations to a Comprehensive Partnership

The visit also saw the formal elevation of India-Ghana relations into a Comprehensive Partnership, signifying a new era of cooperation across multiple sectors. Discussions between the two leaders focused on expanding collaboration in trade, agriculture, digital infrastructure, healthcare, defence, and critical minerals.

Several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed during the visit, covering cultural exchanges, traditional medicine collaboration including Ayurveda, standards cooperation, and mechanisms for regular diplomatic engagement. These agreements pave the way for enhanced cooperation and exchange of expertise in vital areas such as healthcare, where India’s vaccine manufacturing capabilities can support Ghana’s public health goals. Digital innovations such as India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) also offer opportunities to transform Ghana’s financial ecosystem.

Modiji and his Ghanaian counterparts committed to ambitious goals, including doubling bilateral trade within the next five years and joint exploration in sectors crucial to sustainable development, like critical minerals essential for clean energy technologies.

Building on a Legacy of Development Partnership

India’s engagement with Ghana goes beyond recent years and is deeply rooted in decades of development cooperation. Landmark projects such as the Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, which houses West Africa’s first supercomputer, exemplify India’s commitment to advancing Ghana’s technological capabilities.

Infrastructure development has been a cornerstone of this partnership, with India financing key projects like the Tema–Mpakadan railway line through concessional loans, supporting agro-processing initiatives, electrification, and food security. These efforts illustrate India’s approach of South–South cooperation, emphasizing mutual growth and capacity-building.

A Call for Inclusive Global Governance

Beyond bilateral ties, PM Modi used the platform to address pressing global challenges and the urgent need for reforming international institutions. Highlighting issues like climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity, Modiji argued that existing global structures—many designed in the previous century—no longer reflect the realities or aspirations of the wider world, especially the Global South.

He applauded India’s G20 presidency efforts in 2023, which successfully secured permanent membership for the African Union, describing this as a meaningful step towards inclusive global governance. Modiji’s vision calls for equitable representation and a stronger voice for developing countries in shaping international policies that impact them directly.

Conclusion: Forging a Future of Shared Prosperity

PM Modi’s visit to Ghana symbolizes more than diplomatic protocol; it signals a strategic and heartfelt partnership rooted in shared history, values, and aspirations. By receiving Ghana’s highest civilian honour, cementing comprehensive cooperation agreements, and championing global inclusivity, India and Ghana are charting a future of collaborative progress.

This visit opens pathways for enhanced trade, technology exchange, healthcare collaboration, and multilateral solidarity, reflecting the dynamic potential of South–South partnerships. As India and Ghana walk forward together, their relationship serves as a beacon of democratic resilience and shared ambition in a rapidly changing world.

(Sources: Business Standard, TOI)