Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi made a historic arrival in Ghana on Wednesday, marking the first visit by an Indian leader to the West African nation in three decades. His visit signals a significant strengthening of ties between India and the African continent, as well as the broader Global South.
Upon his arrival at Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Prime Minister Modi was received by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, a special gesture that included a ceremonial welcome, a guard of honor, and a 21-gun salute, underscoring the deep and long-standing friendship between the two countries.
Later on Wednesday, Prime Minister Modi held bilateral discussions with President Mahama at Jubilee House, where the two leaders upgraded their relationship to a “Comprehensive Partnership.” Discussions focused on expanding cooperation in crucial sectors such as critical minerals, defense, maritime security, energy, and digital public infrastructure, with India offering to share its UPI digital payments experience with Ghana. Four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering areas including cultural exchange, traditional medicine, and the establishment of a joint commission for regular high-level dialogue. President Mahama also conferred Ghana’s highest national honor, “The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana,” upon Prime Minister Modi in recognition of his distinguished statesmanship.
During his two-day stay in Ghana, which concludes Thursday, Prime Minister Modi is also scheduled to address the Ghanaian parliament in the capital, a highly anticipated event. Ghana is the initial stop on a broader five-nation tour that will see the Indian premier visit Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil (for the BRICS Summit), and Namibia, emphasizing India’s renewed focus on deepening partnerships across Africa, the Caribbean, and South America.
