Prime Minister Narendra Modi receives the national award of Ghana 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana' from President John Dramani Mahama at Accra, in Ghana on July 02, 2025.
India-Ghana Forge Comprehensive Pact
Accra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s highest national honour, by President John Dramani Mahama during a state visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian prime minister in three decades. This accolade marks the 23rd time a country, including Saudi Arabia, France, and Cyprus, has bestowed its highest civilian honour on Modi, recognising his contributions to global diplomacy and India’s international stature.
Received at Jubilee House in Accra by President Mahama, Modi held discussions in restricted and delegation-level formats, focusing on strengthening India-Ghana relations. The leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, covering trade, investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, defence, security, and people-to-people ties. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed to advance cooperation, and the leaders discussed global issues, including United Nations (UN) reforms and counter-terrorism, with Modi acknowledging Ghana’s support following the Pahalgam terror attack.
The talks highlighted growing bilateral trade and Indian investments in Ghana, particularly in agriculture and infrastructure. India offered expertise in health, pharmaceuticals, Unified Payments Interface (UPI), and skill development to support Ghana’s development projects. Modi thanked President Mahama for the care extended to the 15,000-strong Indian community in Ghana. The leaders committed to deepening development cooperation through India-supported infrastructure and capacity-building initiatives. They also addressed global priorities, with Modi commending Ghana’s role in the UN Human Rights Council and the election of its Foreign Minister as Commonwealth Secretary-General. Both leaders reaffirmed their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, and sustainable development.
Modi addressed Ghana’s Parliament, the first Indian prime minister to do so, speaking to members of parliament, government officials, and distinguished guests, convened by Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin. He highlighted the shared history of India and Ghana, shaped by struggles against colonial rule, and quoted Dr. Kwame Nkrumah: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” Modi noted that India’s diversity and democratic strength reflect unity in diversity, a value shared with Ghana’s democratic system. He described India as a democracy rooted in cultural values and praised Ghana’s parliamentary framework, noting the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society to foster legislative exchanges. Modi addressed global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, and cyber threats, and called for reforms in global governance, citing the African Union’s G20 membership during India’s presidency. He outlined India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047 and expressed support for Ghana’s progress.
The four MoUs exchanged, covered a Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP) for art, music, and heritage; cooperation between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) for standardization and certification; collaboration between Ghana’s Institute of Traditional & Alternative Medicine (ITAM) and India’s Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) for traditional medicine education; and a Joint Commission Mechanism for regular foreign ministry dialogues.
President Mahama hosted a state banquet for Modi, who thanked him for the hospitality and invited him to visit India. Accepting the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, Modi dedicated it to India’s youth, cultural diversity, and historical ties with Ghana, stating it would further strengthen bilateral relations.
The visit strengthened India-Ghana relations, with the Comprehensive Partnership aiming to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors. Modi congratulated Ghana on its growing international presence and expressed India’s commitment to supporting the Global South’s concerns. The agreements and discussions established a framework for sustained collaboration, reflecting the shared democratic principles and mutual goals of both nations.
– global bihari bureau
