Key Points:
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ghana’s second highest civilian honor, the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, during his first-ever bilateral visit to the country.
- Modi was welcomed with a ceremonial 21-gun salute and a grand reception at Accra’s Kotoka International Airport by President John Mahama.
- India and Ghana signed several key agreements, including doubling scholarships, establishing a skill development center, and expanding cooperation in agriculture, healthcare, and vaccine production.
- Modi pledged India’s support for Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ agricultural initiative and announced new Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicines.
- Both nations agreed to deepen anti-terrorism cooperation and called for reforms in the United Nations.
Accra, Ghana: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was accorded a grand and emotional welcome as he landed in Accra on Wednesday for his first-ever bilateral visit to Ghana a visit hailed as a milestone in India-West Africa relations. Modi’s arrival at Kotoka International Airport was marked by a ceremonial 21-gun salute and a personal reception by Ghanaian President John Mahama, underscoring the significance of the occasion.
Honored with ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’
In a historic gesture, President Mahama conferred upon PM Modi the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s second highest civilian honor. The award recognizes Modi’s exceptional contribution to strengthening India-Ghana relations and his leadership on the global stage.
Expressing his gratitude, Modi said,
“I feel deeply proud and immensely honored to receive this national honor of Ghana. I dedicate it to the hopes of India’s youth, our cultural diversity, and the historic ties between India and Ghana. This is not just my honor, but that of 140 crore Indians.”
Expanding India-Ghana Cooperation: Education, Skills, and Agriculture
During bilateral talks, Modi and President Mahama unveiled a series of initiatives aimed at deepening cooperation:
- Doubling Scholarships: The number of scholarships under the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) program for Ghanaian students will be doubled, opening new opportunities for youth in both countries.
- Skill Development Center: India will establish a state-of-the-art skill development center in Ghana to provide vocational training and empower the next generation with job-ready skills.
- Support for ‘Feed Ghana’ Program: Modi pledged India’s technical and financial support for Ghana’s ambitious ‘Feed Ghana’ agricultural initiative, aimed at boosting food security and rural livelihoods.
Healthcare and Vaccine Partnership
Recognizing the importance of affordable healthcare, Modi announced the establishment of Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Ghana, which will provide quality medicines at low cost. Both leaders also agreed to collaborate on vaccine production, leveraging India’s global leadership in pharmaceuticals to strengthen Ghana’s healthcare system.
Shared Vision on Security and Global Reforms
Modi praised Ghana as a beacon of democracy in West Africa and lauded its efforts in countering terrorism. Both countries resolved to deepen cooperation in the fight against terrorism and cyber threats. They also reiterated their shared commitment to reforms in the United Nations, emphasizing the need for more representative and effective global governance.
A Historic Visit for a New Era
PM Modi’s visit marks a new chapter in India-Ghana relations, with both countries pledging to work together for peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. The agreements signed and honors bestowed during this visit signal a deepening partnership that is set to benefit not only the two nations but also the broader African continent.
