Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on a historic two-day bilateral visit to Ghana, his first to the West African nation. Upon his arrival at the Kotoka International Airport in Accra, PM Modi was received with great fanfare, including a grand 21-gun salute. During this momentous occasion, Ghana's President John Mahama conferred upon him the country's second-highest civilian award, the
'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana'
Expressing gratitude for the national honor, Prime Minister Modi remarked, "Being awarded Ghana's national honor is truly a privilege and honor. I extend heartfelt thanks to President Mahama, the government of Ghana, and its people. I humbly accept this recognition on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. This award is dedicated to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity, and the deep historical bonds between India and Ghana."
Earlier, appreciating the warm reception on Ghanaian soil, PM Modi expressed that President Mahama personally coming to the airport was a tremendous honor for him. During a joint statement, PM Modi shared that the essence of India-Ghana friendship lies in shared values, struggles, and inclusive dreams that have inspired many other nations.
Significant Announcements
PM Modi praised Ghana as a beacon of hope and a vibrant democracy in West Africa. Both nations reached several pivotal decisions during this visit. He announced, 'Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. A Skill Development Center will be established for vocational education. In agriculture, we are thrilled to collaborate on President Mahama's “Feed Ghana” initiative.'
Additionally, affordable and reliable healthcare services through public medicine centers for Ghanaian citizens were proposed. Discussions also spanned vaccine production collaboration. Lauding Ghana's role in the fight against terrorism, PM Modi emphasized enhancing counter-terrorism cooperation. Both countries shared perspectives on United Nations reforms.
Invitation to India for Ghana's President
Extending an invitation to Ghana's President to visit India, PM Modi stated, "... I am eagerly looking forward to tomorrow's meeting with the Indian community. Honorable President, you are a close friend of India. You know India well. I warmly invite you to India. I am confident you will give us the opportunity to welcome you in India. Once again, I thank the Ghanaian government and its people for their splendid welcome."
4 Key Agreements:
MoU on Cultural Exchange Program:
To foster mutual understanding in arts, music, dance, literature, and heritage.
MoU between BIS and GSA:
For cooperation in standardization and certification.
MoU between ITAM (Ghana) and ITRA (India):
For collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research.
MoU on Joint Commission Meeting:
To institutionalize high-level dialogue and review bilateral collaboration.
Ghana's President References Nehru
Addressing the assembly, Ghana's President John Mahama stated, "... This visit is a testament to the deep historical relations between Ghana and India, rooted in the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President Dr. Kwame Nkrumah and India's former Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. Moreover, it symbolizes the ever-strengthening bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two brotherly countries, benefitting our mutual interests."
He acknowledged PM Modi's visit as a significant honor, especially given that Ghana marked the first leg of his African tour out of five countries, culminating at the BRICS summit in Brazil.
