Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday met Ghanaian President Dr. John Dramani Mahama in Accra, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades.
PM Modi was received by President Mahama at Jubilee House, the official residence and office of the Ghanaian President. The two leaders held detailed discussions in both restricted and delegation-level formats, agreeing to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Comprehensive Partnership.
During a joint press briefing, Prime Minister Modi announced that India will set up a Skill Development Centre in Ghana to support youth vocational training and contribute to President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme. He also announced that India would double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghanaian students.
“India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building,” PM Modi said, adding that India would expand cooperation in key sectors including agriculture, education, defence, healthcare, and digital payments.
In the healthcare sector, India proposed to support Ghana through Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable and reliable medicines. The two sides also discussed cooperation in vaccine production.
Highlighting the potential for greater economic ties, PM Modi said India aims to double bilateral trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments expertise through Bharat UPI to boost financial connectivity.
Defence and security cooperation also featured prominently in the talks. “In the defence and security sector, we will move forward with the mantra of ‘Security through Solidarity’. Cooperation will be enhanced in training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply, and cyber security,” PM Modi said, thanking Ghana for its close partnership in counter-terrorism efforts.
President Mahama called the visit a reflection of the enduring friendship between the two nations, recalling ties that date back to Ghana’s first President Dr Kwame Nkrumah and India’s former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru.
The Ghanaian President described the visit as a testament to the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
The two leaders also exchanged views on global and regional issues, including the need for reforms at the United Nations, and reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and sustainable development.
Following the talks, India and Ghana exchanged four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enhance engagement between the two countries’ Foreign Ministries..
President Mahama hosted a State Banquet in honour of Prime Minister Modi. Thanking him for the warm hospitality, Prime Minister Modi invited President Mahama to visit India at a mutually convenient time.