Latest news with #India-Ghana
IOL News
13-07-2025
- Business
- IOL News
India-Africa cooperation strengthened during Modi's Ghana visit
India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana and bilateral discussion with its President John Mahama was part of a five-nation visit that included Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Image: File: Adnan Abidi/REUTERS Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent trip to Ghana - the first prime ministerial visit to Ghana in the last three decades - marked diplomacy, culture, commerce, and shared values and was a recalibration of India's Africa policy through the lens of one of West Africa's most influential democracies. Modi's visit to Ghana and bilateral discussion with its President John Mahama was part of a five-nation visit that included Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia. Ghana and India's relationship goes back more than half a century to when India helped the newly independent Ghana set up its intelligence agencies and Ghana is also home to several large Indian-owned manufacturing and trading companies and an Indian community of more than 15,000. Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in West Africa, and India is among the country's top trading partners. India is also the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by imports of gold, which accounts for more than 70% of total imports from Ghana. India also imports primary products like minerals, while exporting manufactured products such as pharmaceuticals, transport and agricultural machinery In 2024/25, two-way trade reached $3.1 billion, with India's exports amounting to $1.34 billion. The Ghana-India Trade Advisory Chamber was established in 2018 for socio-economic exchange and south-south cooperation has fuelled India-Ghana relations. Modi's diplomatic efforts since 2014 have sought to relaunch India's presence in Africa. Modi and Mahama's bilateral trade and relations discussions led to the signing of several agreements (MoUs) in the field of energy, agriculture and digital technology and developing vaccine hubs. Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Ad Loading Under the theme 'Security through Stability,' the bilateral discussions covered areas such as maritime security, cyber security, and defence supplies. There were also talks about bringing India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and digital payment system to Ghana, so that digital transactions can be made easier in both countries. Modi offered to share India's expertise with the UPI digital payments system with Ghana and to provide affordable healthcare. Modi was conferred with Ghana's highest civilian award — the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on July 2 and a day Modi later addressed the Ghanaian parliament, saying he was deeply honoured to address the house and it was a privilege to be in a country that radiates the spirit of democracy. "When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that stands with courage — one that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to inclusive progress has truly made Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent." Modi said. He also paid tribute to former Ghana President Khwame Nkrumah. "Earlier today, I had the honour of paying tribute to our visionary and statesman and the beloved son of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He once said that the forces that unite us are greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart. His words continue to guide our shared journey." Modi said that together with President Mahama, both countries have agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership. 'Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our presidency," he added. 'India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demographic dividend is paying off, driving a vibrant and dynamic economy, Modi said. India and Ghana are also set to improve their cooperation in defence.'In defence and security, we will move forward with the mantra of 'security through stability'. Cooperation will be extended in training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supplies and cyber security,' Mahama said. He said Ghana is keen to sign formal agreements with India on defence cooperation, vaccine production and supply of agricultural machinery. 'Both countries will work to deepen economic and investment relations at a time that Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatments we're undergoing in the IMF programme,' he said. Mahama also explored defence cooperation in the context of Ghana's concerns related to terrorism from the Sahel region and piracy in nearby seas. 'There is clear interest to have India's support in terms of support of the equipment, training of personnel and to be able to source equipment from India,' he said. 'There was also concern for the way terrorism is affecting the world.' Modi's visit to Ghana, the headquarters of the AfCFTA, may open new opportunities for Indian exporters. It may also be the first step towards a partnership fulfilling India's energy and mineral needs with Indian companies also cooperating in the exploration and mining of critical minerals, Modi said. The Indian Prime Minister said that Indian companies shall cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals. Indian companies have invested in over 700 projects in Ghana, which include B5 Plus, a leading iron and steel manufacturer, and Melcom, Ghana's largest supermarket chain .India is also one of the leading sources of foreign direct investment to Ghana and by elevating their bilateral ties to a "comprehensive partnership", will only serve to strengthen both countries' shared beliefs, struggles, and a shared dream for an inclusive future. * Dr Govender is an academic and a keen observer of issues related to international relations. * The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.
The Print
09-07-2025
- Politics
- The Print
UPI to Ayurveda, PM Modi's Ghana visit will unlock new trade frontiers for India
India opened its representative office in Accra in 1953, prior to Ghana's independence, and established full-fledged diplomatic relations with Ghana in 1957, immediately after it attained independence. In keeping with India's deeply held commitment to anti-colonialism and freedom and liberty in the developing world, India took up the cause of Ghana's independence from British colonialism in the United Nations much before it won independence in 1957. Both countries have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the Global South. India-Ghana relations have traditionally been warm and friendly, resting on solid foundations anchored in shared values and a common vision. The strong foundation of the bilateral relations was laid by India's first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah. The two leaders also enjoyed a close friendship. Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Accra, the capital of Ghana, on 2 July 2025. His first foray on Ghanaian soil served to nourish the longstanding friendly ties between India and Ghana. The official visit, lasting two days, is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years. The last and only other prime ministerial visit to Ghana was by former PM PV Narasimha Rao from 8–9 November 1995 . Significance of PM Modi's visit The Prime Minister had a hectic programme during the visit. Ghana's President, HE John Dramani Mahama, demonstrated his goodwill and warmth for India and personally received PM Modi at the airport. In recognition of India's leadership, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana's highest civilian award, 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana'. The prime minister also addressed Ghana's parliament, thus underscoring the democratic nature of the polity in both countries. The visit led to the signing of four MOUs, covering the establishment of a Joint Commission between the two countries, enhancing cultural ties, standard setting and cooperation in Ayurveda, and alternative medicine. The engagement between the leaders brought to the fore other areas for future cooperation, be it the development of Ghana as a vaccine hub (an area of interest to Ghana), fintech, bringing UPI to Ghana, agriculture, skill development, critical minerals, defence and maritime security, and energy. The two countries aim to double bilateral trade in five years. Given the upswing in trade, it would be mutually beneficial to broaden and diversify the base to reach the target highlighted during the visit. On the political side, the two leaders found much commonality in their approach. The prime minister said that both sides were unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. It was decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in countering the menace. 'We are unanimous that terrorism is the enemy of humanity. We thank Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism … we have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism,' said PM Modi. An oil and natural gas producing country itself, Ghana occupies a strategic location on the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa, surrounded by oil and gas producing countries on either side. This resource-rich country is located in a region that is abundantly blessed with natural resources. Ghana's democratic polity and peaceful change of political power from one political party to another through democratic elections is widely recognised. India's relations with Africa have traditionally focused on eastern and southern Africa due to geographic proximity and historical connect. Though there is enormous goodwill for India in Western Africa, India's outreach and engagement, in the years past, were much more sporadic. A number of visits from Ghana to India, including at the highest level, and several visits from India, have helped develop a close bond between the two countries. Also read: Modi visit shows Argentina now matters. The resource-rich economy has big lessons for India The India-Ghana partnership India and Ghana enjoy abundant commonalities in their worldview. Ghana was one of the founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement and remains a prominent and respected voice from the Global South. Despite being a smaller country in Africa, it was proud to see one of its illustrious sons, Kofi Annan, hold the highly respected position of UN Secretary-General. As the UNSG, Kofi Annan's efforts, inter alia for promotion of development in the countries of the Global South, and protection of the environment and conflict resolution, are well regarded. Currently, Ghana's former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Shirley Botchwey, is Secretary General of the Commonwealth. Ghana has played an active role in African political challenges, starting from the time of its first President, Kwame Nkrumah, and especially during Ghana's leadership of the African Union and ECOWAS, the Economic Community of West African States. President Mahama is no stranger to India. He visited India for the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015 and earlier as vice president and former president. He and PM Modi have met on various occasions in the past. He assumed office as President of Ghana in January this year, which provides the two leaders ample time to take forward the vision outlined during the visit. Bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion, which is in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold by India. The robust and expanding trade relationship can only benefit from the focused attention that the visit brings. Indian investments in Ghana are over $2 billion. Indian companies have invested in 818 projects worth $ 1.92 billion between 1994-2024. India is among the top investors in Ghana – ranking second in terms of number of projects (11) and fifth in terms of FDI value ($ 16.08 million) during January–September 2024, contributing to 4.77 per cent of Ghana's total FDI. Investments span sectors such as manufacturing, services, general trading, export trade, agriculture, building and construction, tourism, and liaison. The High Commission of India in Accra launched the India-Business Forum (IBF) on 23 November 2020 to facilitate business-to-business engagement. India has supported Ghana's development efforts through concessional lines of credit (LoC) and grants. About $450 million of LoC and grants to Ghana were extended for projects including the Rural Electrification Project (2003), India-Ghana Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence for ICT (2003); Jubilee House Presidential Complex (2008); Komenda Sugar Plant (2016), and Elmina Fish Processing Plant (2016). Infrastructure projects have also been undertaken under Buyer's Credit from India. Ghana benefited from Indian vaccines, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. ITEC and ICCR scholarships given by India have contributed to Ghana's capacity-building efforts. A 15,000-strong vibrant Indian diaspora acts as an important bridge between the two countries. Several prominent Indian diaspora-owned businesses contribute to the Ghanaian economy. The much-awaited visit of PM Modi to Ghana was marked by mutual respect and understanding and will give a decided fillip to bilateral ties between India and close friend Ghana. Ruchi Ghanashyam is a retired diplomat who served as India's High Commissioner to Ghana. Views are personal.
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Common goals: On India and a five-nation tour
On his way to Brazil to attend the ongoing BRICS summit, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has made back-to-back bilateral visits to Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Argentina. Each stop was with a view to enhancing bilateral cooperation in fields which included some common themes on pharmaceuticals and vaccines, digital technology, food security and critical minerals. In Accra, India-Ghana ties were upgraded to a comprehensive partnership, with discussions on helping Ghana become a 'vaccine hub' for West Africa. In the Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, there was a major MoU on 'Indian pharmacopeia', to improve access to quality and affordable generic medicines from India. In Buenos Aires, President Javier Milei agreed to enhance cooperation on critical minerals as well as Argentina's vast reserves of shale gas and oil, while India pitched its pharma to Argentina. The three stops were in countries of the 'developing world' or the Global South, and the onward journey to Brazil, and then to Namibia, also highlight India's commitment to building alternative economic mechanisms to the 'developed world' or Global North. India's offer of cooperation for low-cost solutions to global challenges includes the promotion of India-led international organisations such as the Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure (CDRI) to these countries. Mr. Modi also made his signature pitch to the Indian diaspora — his speech in the Port of Spain, where Indian labour was brought by British colonial ventures since 1845, is one to note. Referring to the Indian ancestry of President Christine Carla Kangaloo and Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, Mr. Modi said that the 35 million Indian diaspora worldwide were India's 'pride'. It is also impossible to escape the deep connections between India and the five nations in terms of political history. Each country shares a bond — colonies that suffered under British, Spanish, Portuguese and German forces — and why some of them joined the Non-Aligned Movement. They have all, at various points, committed to building South-South cooperation, and India and Brazil's role in founding the BRIC mechanism, along with Russia and China, and IBSA with South Africa, was an outcome, strongly pitching the interests of the Global South. None of the countries on the tour can be called 'anti-West', and New Delhi has had some differences with them over specific conflicts (Ukraine and Gaza). The motivating force behind the ties, however, and consequently Mr. Modi's nine-day itinerary, is more about a common desire to look beyond the present global order to one that is more equal, representative, and sensitive to the needs of developing and under-developed nations.
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First Post
04-07-2025
- Politics
- First Post
How India-Ghana ties can guide Delhi's Africa strategy
Prime Minister Narendra Modi being greeted by the President of Ghana, John Mahama, at the airport, on Wednesday. Image courtesy: Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana, en route to the Brics summit, stands out as a strategic use of an intercontinental journey. On the return leg, the Prime Minister is also scheduled to visit Namibia. With these visits, the PM will have engaged with two key countries on Africa's Atlantic coast, complementing his earlier outreach to nations in East and Southern Africa. There are several key takeaways from the Ghana visit that could shape India's future partnership through the upcoming India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS IV). STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Symbolism and Diplomatic Signalling One notable gesture was Ghana's re-elected President John Mahama personally receiving PM Modi at the airport, breaking protocol, on Wednesday. This symbolic act underscores how countries like Ghana, irrespective of their current depth of ties with India, see India as a model for their own aspirations. Despite having substantial engagements with China, the EU, and others, Ghana's admiration for India's democratic, pluralistic, economic success is evident. This respect also explains why the PM was invited to address the Ghanaian Parliament. India-Ghana economic ties are characterised by a diversity of engagements, especially in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and skill development. These sectors not only reflect India's strengths but are also areas of immense interest across the African continent. They should serve as the fulcrum of India's wider Africa engagement. From India's perspective, there is growing interest in defence cooperation, counter-terrorism, de-radicalisation, and the export of affordable defence equipment. Ghana, as a member of Ecowas, a regional bloc of 15 West African nations including Anglophone, Francophone, and Lusophone members, is strategically significant. Though Mali, Niger, and Burkina Faso have recently exited Ecowas following military coups, India could still collaborate with Ghana on counter-terrorism efforts, especially considering the rise of extremism in the Sahel region. Building joint training and support initiatives in this area would benefit both nations and the broader region. Trade Potential and Investment Focus Bilateral trade stands at approximately $3 billion annually. While Ghana's exports to India, mainly gold, are limited in diversity, the discovery and development of critical minerals and oil reserves offer room for expansion. However, Ghana does not qualify as a Least Developed Country (LDC) and thus does not benefit from India's Duty-Free Tariff Preference (DFTP) scheme, introduced in 2008 to boost trade with African Least Developed Countries. As a result, India must explore new trade mechanisms beyond concessional preferences. Indian defence and project exports could emerge as promising growth areas. Importantly, what Ghana seeks most from India is investment. With about $2 billion in Indian investments, India is the second-largest investor in Ghana by number of projects. This success is largely driven by Indian small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and professionals who have established a robust presence in the country. The growing diaspora, now around 15,000 strong, warmly welcomed PM Modi. They reflect this investment-led engagement. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD India must now shift from its traditional development cooperation model, which emphasised Lines of Credit (LoCs), to a more sustainable and commercially viable model. Ghana, having approached the IMF for assistance 17 times, now faces limitations in borrowing and repayment. Hence, future cooperation should favour Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs) and support Indian investors without relying on sovereign guarantees. Leveraging Success Models for Capacity Building India's infrastructure contributions in Ghana, including government buildings and the Centre of Excellence in IT named after Kofi Annan, are noteworthy. Although established in 2002, before the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS) framework, this centre has been expanded under the IAFS and now stands as one of Africa's most successful and self-sustaining IT hubs. This model of capacity building, particularly through PPPs, should be replicated across the continent. Tapping into Continental Trade Integration Ghana hosts the Secretariat of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), which, despite Covid-era delays, has been implemented, albeit sporadically. The AfCFTA allows regional markets to flourish, and Indian investors, particularly those in populous countries, now find it easier to expand across borders. India should actively tap into this opportunity to boost FDI-led growth in Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Strategic Multilateral Engagement Most African nations support India's bid for a permanent seat on the UN Security Council. However, the African Union's Ezulwini Consensus has not gained wide traction within the UN system. Ghana, as a member of the AU's Committee of Ten on this issue, plays a crucial role. Strengthening bilateral cooperation with Ghana could further India's multilateral objectives. Ghana has consistently supported the IAFS process, from President Kufuor's enthusiastic participation in the 2008 summit in Delhi to Ghana's attendance at IAFS-III in 2015, when all African heads of state were invited. Whether Ghana will participate in IAFS-IV depends on the format, whether it remains inclusive or reverts to the more limited Banjul format. Ghana remains a pivotal partner for India in West Africa. Its influence within Ecowas and the AU, combined with India's economic, diplomatic, and cultural engagement, offers a strong foundation to further elevate ties. India must capitalise on this momentum, not just through aid or lines of credit, but through sustainable investment, skill-building, innovation, and multilateral cooperation. Revitalising ties with countries like Ghana will be essential to shaping India's future in Africa. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The author is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, ASEAN and the African Union. He tweets @AmbGurjitSingh. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost's views.
Time of India
04-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Netanyahu ‘Runs For Cover' As Angry Israelis Erupt; Bibi's Nir Oz Visit Turns Into Chaos
'Sweeter Than Sugarloaf Pineapple'- PM Modi's Remark On India-Ghana Ties Sparks Laughter Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana, highlighting the shared colonial past of India and Ghana and the enduring spirit of freedom in both nations. He described the India-Ghana friendship as 'sweeter than Sugar Loaf Pineapple' and emphasised India's identity as the mother of democracy, rooted in fundamental values. Modi noted India's diversity with over 2,500 political parties and 22 official languages, and said those who came to India were always welcomed with open hearts. He praised the Indian community in Ghana, saying they have blended in 'like sugar in tea,' and called receiving Ghana's national award a deeply moving honour.#narendramodi #ghanavisit #indiaghana #parliamentspeech #motherofdemocracy #globalties #colonialhistory #diplomacy #internationalrelations #indianghanafriendship #developmentpartnership #culturalexchange #foreigntrip #africanunion #southsouthcooperation #sharedvalues #modiinafrica #indiaabroad #ghananews #viral #toi #toibharat 23.2K views | 13 hours ago
