Accra, Ghana: On Wednesday, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana’s prestigious Officer of the Order of the Star by President John Dramani Mahama, recognizing his exceptional leadership and global influence, according to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
In a heartfelt gesture, Modi dedicated the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India, emphasizing the country’s vibrant youth, rich cultural heritage, and deep-rooted ties with Ghana. He expressed gratitude to the Ghanaian government and its people for the recognition, noting that it strengthens the bond between the two nations.
Modi highlighted the shared democratic values that unite India and Ghana, underscoring his commitment to advancing bilateral relations. “This honor deepens our friendship and places a new responsibility on me to further our ties,” he said, adding that his historic state visit would inject fresh energy into India-Ghana relations, per the MEA.
During the visit, Modi announced initiatives to bolster cooperation, including the establishment of a Skill Development Centre to empower Ghanaian youth and support for Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ agricultural program. Speaking at a joint press briefing with President Mahama, Modi outlined plans to expand collaboration in agriculture, education, defense, healthcare, and digital payments.
“We have decided to double ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana and work toward setting up a Skill Development Centre for vocational training,” Modi stated. He also pledged support for affordable healthcare through India’s Jan Aushadhi Kendra initiative and cooperation in vaccine production.
Modi further revealed ambitions to double trade with Ghana within five years and introduce India’s Bharat UPI digital payment system to enhance financial connectivity.
President Mahama warmly welcomed Modi, noting that the visit reflects the enduring friendship between the two nations, rooted in the legacies of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. “This visit underscores the growing bonds of cooperation for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.
Marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades, Modi’s trip signals India’s commitment to deepening ties with Africa and the Global South, reinforcing a partnership built on shared history and mutual goals.