PM's State Visit to Ghana: Discover more about the trip

This marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in the past thirty years.

Following the discussions, four MoUs were signed, covering cultural exchange and traditional music areas.

Prime Minister Modi declared that the leaders have agreed to elevate the India-Ghana partnership to a Comprehensive Partnership.

PM received Ghana’s top state accolade, ‘the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana,’ in acknowledgment of his exceptional statesmanship and significant global influence.

Summary of India-Ghana Relations

Historical Background: India and Ghana have historical connections based on mutual anti-colonial support and a common perspective for the Global South.

India set up its representative office in Accra in 1953, four years prior to Ghana's independence in 1957.

Diplomatic ties were officially formed that same year, creating the groundwork for a close and amicable alliance.

Both countries are original members of the Non-Aligned Movement.

Institutional Mechanisms: The Joint Commission was created in 1995 and strengthened in 2016, whereas a protocol for Foreign Office Consultations was agreed upon in 2002.

Since then, there have been three consultation rounds, the most recent occurring in 2022.

The Joint Trade Committee, active since 1981, convened for its fourth meeting in 2024.

Trade Relations: India ranks as one of Ghana’s leading trading partners and is the biggest market for Ghanaian exports.

In 2023–24, bilateral trade between Ghana and India reached around USD 3 billion, with Ghana benefiting from a favorable trade balance due to significant gold exports.

India's imports of gold constitute more than 70% of all imports from Ghana.

Ghana is an important market for Indian pharmaceutical exports, essential for its healthcare infrastructure.

Investment: India ranks as one of the leading investors in Ghana, having invested over $1.2 billion in areas including agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, and ICT.

India ranks 2nd for investments in 12 projects (behind China) and 8th in terms of FDI value in 2024.

Development Partnership: India has provided about 450 million US dollars in concessional loans and grants for capacity-building and infrastructure initiatives.

Significant projects comprise the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence founded in 2003, the Rural Electrification Project, the Jubilee House Presidential Complex renovated in 2017, and the Komenda Sugar Plant along with the Elmina Fish Processing Plant opened in 2016.

India backed the development of the Tema-Mpakadan Standard Gauge Railway Line, which was officially opened in 2024.

Capacity Enhancement & Workforce Development: More than 1,600 scholarships have been provided through the e-Vidya Bharati and e-Arogya Bharati digital network initiative.

Ghana has reaped advantages from India's Pan-African e-Network program, which facilitates telemedicine and tele-education services via Indian organizations.

Sectoral Collaboration: Pacts have been established to enhance collaboration in fields such as LPG distribution, non-military applications of nuclear energy, and standardization through partnerships between India's Bureau of Indian Standards and Ghana Standards Authority.

Air connectivity is supported by the Air Services Agreement established in 1978 and revised by later MoUs.

Cultural exchange continues to be a dynamic component of the partnership, supported by a Cultural Agreement established in 1981 and regular Cultural Exchange Programmes.

Humanitarian Aid: India also provided humanitarian aid to Ghana during the COVID-19 pandemic, supplying 50,000 vaccine doses as a donation and more than 1.6 million doses via the COVAX facility.

Indian Community: In Ghana, there exists a large Indian community comprising more than 15,000 individuals. Several have been in Ghana for more than 70 years.

The Way Ahead

Ghana is a key member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States, and it is a respected partner in the Global South.

India's ambitions for regional influence in Africa, economic growth, and global leadership are all aided by fortifying its ties with Ghana.

Building on India's longstanding relationship with Ghana, the visit will facilitate the opening of sectors such as development partnerships, energy, health, security, investment, and capacity building.