Accra/New Delhi, July 2 (UNI) India and Ghana have decided to elevate their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today after holding talks with President John Dramani Mahama in Accra. PM Modi said that India is not just a partner in Ghana's journey of nation-building but a co-traveller.
Addressing the media in the Jubilee House in Accra, after the bilateral talks, PM Modi said that after a gap of three decades, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Ghana, and it is a matter of immense pride for him to have been given this opportunity to visit Ghana.
He congratulated President Mahama for his victory in the December 2024 general elections, being elected for a second term.
He said the victory reflects the deep trust of the people of Ghana in his leadership and vision.
“President Mahama and I have decided to elevate our bilateral partnership to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’. In Ghana's journey of nation-building, India is not just a partner but a co-traveler,” he said.
PM Modi said that the magnificent Jubilee House, the Foreign Service Institute, the Komenda Sugar Factory, the India–Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre, and the Tema–Pakadan Railway Line are symbols of the bilateral partnership.
The bilateral trade has crossed USD 3 billion. Indian companies have invested nearly USD 2 billion across around 900 projects.
“Today, we have set a target to double our mutual trade over the next five years,” the PM said.
He said in the field of FinTech, India is ready to share its UPI digital payment experience with Ghana.
Stressing that development partnership is a foundational pillar of the bilateral ties, he assured India’s full support for President Mahama’s efforts toward economic restructuring.
India has decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. “To promote vocational education for youth, we will work to establish a Skill Development Centre.”
“We are pleased to cooperate in President Mahama’s "Feed Ghana" agricultural programme. Through Jan Aushadhi Centres, India proposes to offer Ghana’s citizens affordable and reliable healthcare,” the PM said.
The two countries also discussed collaboration in vaccine production.
“In defense and security, we will move ahead with the mantra of ‘Security through Solidarity’. Cooperation will be strengthened in military training, maritime security, defense supplies, and cyber security,” he added.
Indian companies will collaborate in exploration and mining of critical minerals.
India and Ghana already cooperate in platforms like the International Solar Alliance and the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure. To support Ghana’s renewable energy efforts, especially in clean cooking gas, we have invited them to join the Global Biofuels Alliance, he added.
“We are both members of the Global South and remain fully committed to its priorities. We thank Ghana for its positive participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.”
“India is proud that during our G20 Presidency, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20,” the PM said.
Both sides also held discussions on regional and global matters, including the Sahel region.
“We are in complete agreement that terrorism is a threat to humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism. Accordingly, we have decided to strengthen our collaboration in counter-terrorism,” the PM said.
“Our views on UN reforms are aligned. We have expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. We believe this is not an era of war. Problems must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy,” the PM said.
On the vibrant Indian community, the PM said they comprise a special link in our people-to-people relations. Indian teachers, doctors, and engineers have long served in Ghana and contributed positively to its social and economic progress. "I look forward to meeting the Indian community tomorrow."
“You are a dear friend of India and well-acquainted with our country. I extend an invitation to you to visit India, and I hope you will give us the opportunity to welcome you there,” the PM said.
Earlier in the speech, the PM said: “At the heart of India–Ghana friendship lie our shared values, struggles, and dreams for an inclusive future. The freedom struggles of our countries have inspired many others.
“Even today, Ghana stands in West Africa as a vibrant democracy and a "Beacon of Hope" for other nations.”
He thanked the Ghanaian President for the warm welcome. Notably, the President had come to the Kotoka International Airport to welcome PM Modi on his arrival, in a special gesture.
The PM was accorded a ceremonial welcome and a 21-gun salute at the airport.
UNI RN