PM Modi honoured with Ghana’s highest civilian award during historic visit
India and Ghana have taken a major step towards deepening bilateral cooperation with the signing of four key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) across sectors including culture, healthcare, traditional medicine, standardisation, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were formalised during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Accra—marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades.
The MoUs were signed following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama, where both leaders pledged to strengthen the India-Ghana partnership and expand collaboration across critical domains.
At a press briefing after the meeting, Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) in India’s Ministry of External Affairs, said the agreements reflect a broad-based approach to bilateral cooperation.
“The four MoUs include a Cultural Exchange Programme, a partnership between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards and the Ghana Standards Authority, collaboration in traditional medicine, and the establishment of a Joint Commission for regular high-level dialogue,” said Ravi. “Each of these is aimed at building lasting institutional and people-to-people ties.”
The two countries have now committed to elevating their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” with enhanced cooperation across agriculture, health, education, security, and culture.
The cultural exchange programme will promote mutual understanding and collaboration in art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. The agreement on standardisation will facilitate conformity assessment and technical cooperation, while the MoU on traditional medicine, signed between Ghana’s Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine and India’s Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda, is expected to open new avenues in education, research, and expert training. The Joint Commission will provide a framework for ongoing dialogue at the Foreign Office level.
Agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and defence were also central to the discussions. Ghana expressed strong interest in Indian assistance to transform its agriculture sector. “President Mahama emphasised his vision of turning Ghana into a food-secure nation, and Prime Minister Modi agreed to support this initiative,” Ravi stated.
In the pharmaceutical sector, both sides discussed the potential for Indian investment in Ghana’s vaccine manufacturing. “President Mahama wants Ghana to become a vaccine hub, and is keen on Indian entrepreneurs setting up units in pharma and vaccine production. This aligns well with India’s strengths,” Ravi added.
Security cooperation was another focal point, with Ghana seeking Indian assistance to address challenges such as terrorism from the Sahel region and maritime piracy. According to Ravi, Ghana showed “clear interest in sourcing defence equipment, training personnel, and partnering with India on security matters.”
Prime Minister Modi, for his part, reaffirmed India’s commitment to Ghana’s development journey, stating: “India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building.”
In a significant diplomatic gesture, Ghana conferred upon Modi the nation’s highest civilian honour—the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana. Accepting the award, the Prime Minister said, “It is a matter of immense pride and honour. I humbly accept this on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians. I dedicate it to the aspirations of our youth and the historic ties between our nations.”
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar called the award a recognition of Modi’s leadership on the global stage. “It is a testament to his steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South and the friendship between India and Ghana,” he posted on X.
The two countries have now committed to elevating their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership,” with enhanced cooperation across agriculture, health, education, security, and culture.
“In the defence and security sector, we will progress with the guiding principle of ‘Security through Solidarity’,” said Modi. “Collaboration will be strengthened in areas such as armed forces training, maritime security, defence supply chains, and cybersecurity.”
The visit, marked by symbolism and substance, signals a reinvigoration of India’s engagement with Africa and reflects a shared vision for inclusive development, resilience, and mutual respect.
