Shri Narendra Modi receiving a welcome bouquet of flowers from a girl
Indian’s Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi, yesterday arrived in Ghana for a two-day state visit aimed at building strategic partnership between the two countries.
Prime Minister Modi, who was accompanied by officials from the Indian High Commission to Ghana, was received on arrival by Ghanaian delegation led by President John Mahama, Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and other Ministers of State.
Speaking at a media briefing ahead of the visit, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the visit, which is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in several years, signals a new chapter for trade and cooperation between Ghana and India.
The Prime Minister was welcomed at the Jubilee Presidential Lounge by President John Dramani Mahama with full state honours, including a military parade and national salute.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the two leaders will subsequently hold a private meeting followed by discussions that will involve ministers from India.
He said other issues tabled for discussions between the two leaders will include the establishment of a Ghana-India Joint Commission.
Other areas include expansion of cooperation in agriculture, including vaccine production and mechanisation, defence and security collaboration, health, research, education partnerships, cultural trade, and facilitation agreements.
He said a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) are expected to be signed following the engagements, such as agreements with the Bureau of Indian Standards, the Institute of Traditional and Authentic Medicine, and new cultural exchange frameworks.
“The biggest democracy in the world will speak to the most vibrant democracy in Africa. It’s a moment that celebrates democratic values, freedom, and development,” he noted.
The minister further indicated that a state banquet will be held at the Jubilee House, where Ghana will confer its highest national honour, the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana on the Indian leader.
The award, the Foreign Affairs Minister explained, is reserved for the most loyal and strategic friends of Ghana, reflecting gratitude and recognition of the Indian Prime Minister’s statesmanship and commitment to Ghana-India ties.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, the two-day visit reaffirms the long-standing relationship between the two countries over the years, while Ghana continues to look forward to strengthen the ties.
He described India as a reliable partner, and believes their meeting will foster a more robust, forward-looking relationship.
“This is not just any visit. This is a state visit, the highest form of diplomatic engagement, and it is historic. It has been 30 long years since an Indian Prime Minister came to Ghana, and we are honoured to receive Prime Minister Modi at such a time,” he stated.
“What is unique about our trade with India is that we have a surplus. Ghana’s gold, which remains India’s top interest, is central to this partnership. But beyond trade, India has been a genuine partner in development,” he added.
Mr. Ablakwa also outlined various projects which has been made possible with grant support from India.
The minister also mentioned the Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line, Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT, the Komenda Sugar Factory and Elmina Fish Processing Plant, and other support geared towards achieving Ghana’s industrialisation agenda.
Others include a Rural Electrification Project, a Foreign Service Institute to train Ghanaian diplomats, an Agricultural Machinery Assembly Plant supporting mechanised farming, and the Tamale-Wa road.
By Ebenezer K. Amponsah