Prime Minister Narendra Modi *landed in Accra on July 2, 2025, therefore starting India’s first state visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades, a landmark event in bilateral relations.
He was warmly received by President John Dramani Mahama and his delegation with a ceremonial welcome. His visit was both symbolic and substantive which further confirmed the strong links between the two countries and prepared ground for increased collaboration in several fields.
Address to Ghana’s Parliament
Prime Minister Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to speak before Ghana’s Parliament on July 3.
Recognizing the *honor, he stated, “It is a privilege to be in Ghana, a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity, and resilience. As a representative of the world’s largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Modi’s presence was warmly welcomed in traditional Indian attire, and several Ghanaian legislators displayed cultural solidarity by wearing similar traditional attire.
Ghana’s Highest Civilian Honour
President Mahama bestowed upon Prime Minister Modi, the highest civilian honor of Ghana, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, in a major diplomatic act. Modi Accepted the honor and the medal modestly then stated “It is a profound honour and a moment of great pride for me to receive this national award. I accept it on behalf of the people of India—especially our youth—and the richness of our cultural heritage.”
Key Engagements ;Prime Minister Modi’s stay in Accra:
During his visit in Accra, Prime Minister Mondi:
1.Spoke to the Indian diaspora at the Kempinski Hotel
2. Explored the Black Star Square and the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial among other historical sites.
3.Offered President Mahama and First Lady Lordina Mahama as tokens of friendship a pair of Bidriware vases from Karnataka and a Silver Filigree Purse from Odisha.
The Bidriware vases made of a zinc-copper alloy with exquisite silver inlay represented wealth and harmony, whereas the filigree handbag demonstrated Tarakasi craftsmanship spanning ages.
Themes from Parliamentary Address
Emphasizing on democratic ideals, world collaboration, and inclusive development:
- PM Modi called for reorganization of international governance institutions to meet current threats including pandemics, cyber threats, terrorism, and climate change.
- Celebrating African Union’s ongoing G20 membership under India’s G20 chairmanship, he shared a Sanskrit quote to convey India’s “humanity first” philosophy, especially regarding the distribution of COVID-19 vaccines and medical resources to over 150 countries including Ghana.
Modi stressed common democratic values, stating that
“India carries Africa in its heart” And advocated for stronger ties between the two countries.
PM Mondi further quoted Ghana’s first President, Dr.Kwame Nkrumah “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
He also highlighted India’s democratic strength.:“India, the Mother of Democracy, manages over 2,500 political parties and still upholds peaceful governance and unity in diversity.”
*Lighthearted Cultural Moment
commented in a moment of jokes and camaraderie:”Excuse me to say—our friendship is sweeter than your famous pineapple,” drawing applause and laughter from Ghanaian legislators.
To encourage legislative collaboration, he also invited them to see the new Parliament of India and suggested the establishment of a Ghana–India Parliamentary Association.
Strengthening Economic Bonds
Modi observed that:Bilateral trade exceeded three billion USD. With almost 900 initiatives, Indian investments in Ghana came to more than USD 2 billion. To help Ghana’s digital economy and financial inclusion, India would share its Bharat UPI model. He stated:”Our spirits have always remained free and fearless. “
Signing of Four MoUs
Following intense meetings between the two sides, Ghana and India officially signed four Memoranda of Understanding covering major fields:
1. Cultural Exchange Programme to encourage arts and tourism cooperation;
2. A standardisation agreement between BIS and GSA to harmonise certification and trade practices;
3. A traditional medicine partnership linking ITAM and ITRA for joint research and training
4. The establishment of a Joint Commission Mechanism to enable regular diplomatic consultations and strategic reviews at the Foreign Office level, thereby strengthening cross-sector cooperation.
Future Cooperating Fields
Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, claims the two leaders investigated other possibilities:
Agriculture: India provides technology and entrepreneurial assistance to enable Ghana’s aim to become a regional food basket. Using India’s pharmaceutical know-how. Ghana indicated interest in becoming a regional vaccine manufacturing hub.
Ravi remarked:
“President Mahama hopes Indian companies will invest in these sectors.” Prime Minister Modi supported the idea.
Departure for Trinidad and Tobago
Prime Minister Modi left on July 4, 2025, for Trinidad and Tobago after finishing the Ghanaian leg of his five-nation tour.
