Nation

IIE DIGITAL DESK : Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Accra, Ghana, on July 3, 2025, marking the first visit by an Indian premier in 30 years. His arrival was met with a 21-gun salute, a ceremonial guard of honour, and vibrant cultural performances, signifying the deep-rooted warmth between India and Ghana .

Welcomed personally by President John Dramani Mahama, Modi proceeded to the Jubilee House, Ghana’s presidential palace. There, the two leaders engaged in both private and delegation-level discussions, committing to elevate bilateral ties through a newly declared Comprehensive Partnership .

During their talks, Modi and Mahama explored avenues of enhanced collaboration across:

• Trade & Investment – focusing on strengthening economic exchange and mobilising Indian investments in Ghana.

• Agriculture & Infrastructure – sharing Indian expertise in sustainable farming, development, and digital public infrastructure.

• Digital Solutions & UPI – discussing adoption of India’s digital payment architecture to boost financial inclusion in Ghana.

• Health, Pharma & Skills – initiating knowledge transfers in medical services, pharma industries, and vocational training .

The partnership also encompasses defense and security, cultural exchange, and cooperation on climate resilience—symbolically reinforced by signing four MoUs in culture, standards, Ayurveda, and institutional dialogue .

President Mahama conferred on PM Modi the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, one of the country’s highest honours. The award recognises Modi’s global leadership and his role in deepening India‑Ghana relations .

Modi’s visit inaugurates a broader five-nation diplomatic tour, which includes Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil (for the 17th BRICS Summit), and Namibia. This trip reflects India's intensified global footprint, especially among Global South nations.

Within the context of accumulating diplomatic influence, this landmark Ghana visit reaffirms shared values like democracy, south–south cooperation, and sustainable growth. Both leaders also affirmed cooperation on UN reforms and counterterrorism efforts, including Ghana’s support following India’s Pahalgam terror incident .

Over 15,000 Indians live in Ghana, and PM Modi took time to greet members of the diaspora at the airport and in Accra—a gesture that underscored the warm human bridge binding the nations .

As the first leg of Modi’s high-impact journey, the Ghana visit sets the tone for deepened partnerships on trade, technology, and diplomacy. The momentum forged here will likely carry forward into his addresses to parliaments in other countries, leading to strategic outcomes at the upcoming BRICS Summit in Brazil .

PM Modi’s reception in Ghana, highlighted by ceremonial honours, high-level engagements, and a national award, marks a turning point in India–Africa relations. The establishment of a Comprehensive Partnership, backed by concrete agreements, digital collaboration, and cultural affinity, signals India’s ambition to play a more influential role in Africa’s development trajectory and in forging stronger ties within the Global South.