Where Is Ghana & Why Did It Honour PM Modi? How Important Is This Country For India?
India-Ghana ties date back to its anti-colonial struggle. Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and Jawaharlal Nehru advocated for Global South solidarity against Cold War
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana's highest civilian honour, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', by President John Dramani Mahama on Thursday. This historic moment came during Modi's visit—the first by an Indian PM to Ghana in over 30 years—and underscores deepening bilateral ties.
But where is Ghana located, and why does it matter to India? Let's explore what is Ghana's strategic importance, its historical ties with India, and how this relationship can bolster India's global influence.
Where Is Ghana?
Ghana is located in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea, bordered by Côte d'Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, Togo to the east, and the Atlantic Ocean to the south.
Its capital, Accra, is a bustling coastal city and a hub for regional diplomacy. Positioned just north of the equator, Ghana spans around 238,535 sq km, with a population of about 33 million as of 2025.
Once called the 'Gold Coast" for its gold riches, Ghana became the first sub-Saharan African country to gain independence from British rule in 1957 — a milestone in Africa's freedom movement.
The India-Ghana ties is rooted in shared histories of anti-colonial struggle and democratic values. Ghana's first President Kwame Nkrumah and India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru forged strong ties through the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), advocating for Global South solidarity against Cold War.
As the current President, Mahama, noted, 'This visit (PM Modi's) is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Nkrumah and Nehru".
India supported Ghana's independence movement, and both nations have since nurtured ties through cultural exchanges and economic cooperation. The Indian community in Ghana, numbering over 15,000, including fourth-generation families, strengthens these bonds, with many contributing to local businesses and multinational corporations.
Why Ghana Matters To India
Ghana's significance to India spans geopolitical, economic, and developmental dimensions, amplified by Modi's 2025 visit and the conferment of its highest honour.
Geopolitical Significance
Ghana is a key player in West Africa, holding influential roles in the African Union (AU) and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS). Modi highlighted Ghana's role as a 'valued partner in the Global South" and a 'Beacon of Hope" for vibrant democracy in West Africa.
India's engagement with Ghana aligns with its broader Africa strategy, particularly ahead of the India-Africa Forum Summit. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar noted that Modi's honour reflects his 'steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South", positioning Ghana as a strategic ally in amplifying India's global influence.
India contributed to building Ghana's Jubilee House presidential palace and supporting its air force and intelligence service. Modi's visit included agreements to elevate bilateral ties to a 'Comprehensive Partnership," focusing on security, maritime cooperation, and cybersecurity. This partnership strengthens India's role as a counterbalance to other global powers, like China, in Africa.
Economic and Trade Relations
Bilateral trade between India and Ghana has surpassed $3 billion, with Indian investments of $2 billion across 900 projects, particularly in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and infrastructure, as per government reports.
Ghana's stable democracy and resource-rich economy—gold, cocoa, and emerging oil sectors—make it an attractive partner. During Modi's visit, four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed, covering agriculture, health, and digital technology, with India committing to support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' program and establish a Skill Development Centre. India's expertise in affordable healthcare, like Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and digital payments, such as Bharat UPI, aims to boost Ghana's development.
As per an India Today report, plans are afoot to double trade within five years, leveraging Ghana's role as a gateway to West African markets. Indian companies like Tata and Mahindra have a strong presence, and Ghana's ambition to become Africa's vaccine hub aligns with India's pharmaceutical prowess, with discussions on vaccine production cooperation. These initiatives reflect India's strategic interest in Ghana as a hub for economic expansion in Africa.
India's development assistance to Ghana includes doubling ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghanaian youth, enhancing vocational education, and supporting capacity-building projects. Modi's address to Ghana's Parliament and interaction with the Indian diaspora underscored cultural ties, with the community chanting 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' during his welcome in Accra. These efforts reinforce people-to-people connections, vital for India's soft power in Africa.
Ghana's democratic stability and cultural diversity resonate with India's values, as Modi noted: 'Shared democratic values and traditions will continue to nurture the partnership".
The honour conferred on Modi symbolises this mutual respect, with the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) describing it as 'a testament to deep and long-standing India-Ghana ties".
Why PM Modi's Honour Is Important
The conferment of 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana' on Modi, during a state banquet in Accra, was a historic moment. The PM dedicated the award to 'the aspirations of the youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity, and the historical ties between India and Ghana."
The MEA stressed that the award recognises Modi's 'distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership". This honour, Modi's 24th global award according to BJP IT cell chief Amit Malviya, reflects India's rising global stature under his leadership.
The award was presented during Modi's landmark visit, which included a ceremonial welcome, a 21-gun salute, and wide-ranging talks with President Mahama. The visit, part of a five-nation tour, marked a renewed thrust in India's engagement with the Global South, with Ghana as a key partner. Modi's acceptance speech stressed a 'responsibility to keep working towards stronger India-Ghana friendship," signalling India's commitment to Ghana as a trusted development partner.
About the Author
Shilpy Bisht
Shilpy Bisht, Deputy News Editor at News18, writes and edits national, world and business stories. She started off as a print journalist, and then transitioned to online, in her 12 years of experience. Her prev...Read More
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tags :
africa ghana soft power
Location :
New Delhi, India, India
First Published:
July 03, 2025, 10:20 IST
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