Prime Minister Narendra Modi has etched his name into Ghana’s history books. During a landmark visit, Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama conferred upon him the nation’s highest civilian award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, recognizing his statesmanship and transformative role on the global stage. But beyond the glitter of medals and ceremonial speeches, this visit carries a deeper resonance. It reveals a strategic recalibration of India’s foreign policy, one that increasingly looks towards Africa as a vital partner in global affairs.
A Ceremony Laden with Symbolism
Under the high ceilings of Ghana’s State House, amid the dignified hum of traditional drums and vibrant cultural performances, President Mahama presented the Order of the Star of Ghana to PM Modi. The award, symbolizing Ghana’s deep respect and gratitude, highlights not only bilateral friendship but also the growing clout of India in shaping the global order.
Accepting the honour with humility, PM Modi declared:
“It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s highest honour. I express my deep gratitude to President Mahama, the Government of Ghana, and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.”
Such statements weren’t mere diplomatic pleasantries. Modi’s speech carefully wove together themes of youth empowerment, cultural bonds, and the historical kinship shared between India and Ghana—a partnership stretching back to the days of post-colonial awakening.
Historical Ties Rooted in Shared Struggles
Few diplomatic relationships are as profoundly intertwined as those of India and Ghana. Both countries emerged from the shadows of colonial rule around the same time, guided by visionary leaders—Kwame Nkrumah in Ghana and Jawaharlal Nehru in India—who championed independence and self-reliance.
In his remarks, President Mahama acknowledged this shared past:
“This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people.”
These historical connections are more than nostalgic references; they form the bedrock upon which modern partnerships are built. Both nations share democratic values, pluralistic societies, and ambitions of becoming influential voices in the Global South.
The Strategic Significance of Modi’s Visit
This trip marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. In geopolitical terms, that is a significant lapse—and a correction long overdue.
Modi’s presence in Accra signals India’s determination to deepen ties with Africa, a continent increasingly seen as vital to global economic growth, strategic minerals, and geopolitical influence.
With China’s footprint firmly established across African infrastructure, India is keen to assert its own presence, leveraging shared democratic ideals and a history of solidarity. Modi’s visit is as much about symbolism as it is about realpolitik.
A Vision for Youth and Skills Development
One of the central pillars of Modi’s visit was a focus on youth empowerment. During a joint press conference, PM Modi announced India’s plan to establish a Skill Development Centre in Ghana. The centre will be dedicated to:
- Vocational training for youth.
- Developing skills relevant to modern industries.
- Supporting Ghana’s economic diversification.
“Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of youth,” said Modi.
The announcement reflects a deliberate strategy: India’s development partnerships often emphasize human capital, rather than only infrastructure projects. This differentiates India’s engagement style from other major powers, particularly China.
Supporting Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ Programme
Agriculture remains the backbone of Ghana’s economy, employing a significant portion of its workforce. Recognizing this, PM Modi expressed India’s willingness to support President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative.
The cooperation aims to:
- Share Indian expertise in modern agricultural practices.
- Provide technical support in areas like irrigation, seed quality, and crop management.
- Enhance food security in Ghana.
“In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme,” Modi affirmed.
This collaboration echoes India’s broader development philosophy: assisting partner nations in achieving self-sufficiency and sustainability, rather than creating dependencies.
Healthcare: An Avenue for People-to-People Connect
Healthcare emerged as another significant topic during Modi’s visit. India proposed to bring its Jan Aushadhi Kendra model to Ghana, aiming to make affordable, generic medicines widely available.
“Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable and reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” Modi said.
This initiative could prove transformative for Ghana, where high pharmaceutical costs often remain a barrier for many citizens. India, as one of the world’s largest producers of generic medicines and vaccines, is uniquely positioned to assist.
Bilateral Trade: Aiming for a Doubling in Five Years
Currently, trade between India and Ghana hovers around $3 billion annually, driven by sectors like gold, cocoa, oil, and manufactured goods. However, PM Modi’s statement during the visit signaled ambitious goals:
“India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and share its digital payments system, Bharat UPI, to boost financial connectivity.”
Expanding bilateral trade aligns with India’s pursuit of diversified trade partners, especially amid ongoing global economic uncertainties.
Bharat UPI: Digital Diplomacy in Action
Perhaps one of the most intriguing elements of Modi’s announcements was the proposal to introduce Bharat UPI—India’s globally recognized digital payments system—in Ghana.
Bharat UPI has revolutionized financial transactions in India, bringing secure, instant, and cashless payments even to remote villages. Sharing this technology could:
- Enable financial inclusion in Ghana.
- Reduce reliance on cash transactions.
- Empower small businesses and entrepreneurs.
This move is a potent example of digital diplomacy, where India leverages its technological innovations to build bridges and influence globally.
Defence and Education: Broadening Cooperation
Beyond economics, the two leaders discussed expanding cooperation in defence, education, and digital infrastructure.
- Defence: Training programs, joint exercises, and knowledge sharing.
- Education: Doubling scholarships through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) and Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC).
- Digital payments: Support for building modern financial ecosystems.
These discussions hint at a multi-dimensional partnership, rooted in mutual respect and shared interests.
Africa in India’s Foreign Policy Calculus
Modi’s visit underscores a broader trend: India’s recalibration towards Africa as a central partner.
- Africa is a resource-rich continent crucial for India’s energy and mineral needs.
- African nations represent a significant voting bloc in international forums like the UN.
- India seeks to counterbalance China’s vast influence across the continent.
India’s approach differs by focusing on capacity-building, democratic solidarity, and people-centric initiatives, rather than only infrastructure investments.
Ghana’s Perspective: Welcoming a Trusted Friend
President Mahama’s words reflected Ghana’s optimism:
“This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru…”
For Ghana, India represents a trusted partner with whom it shares:
- Democratic values.
- Historical ties dating back to the non-aligned movement.
- Shared development aspirations.
Modi’s visit has reaffirmed India’s image as a partner, not a patron.
Cultural Diplomacy: The Unsung Bridge
It’s important to note the role of cultural diplomacy in cementing ties between India and Ghana.
- Indian cinema and television enjoy popularity in Ghana.
- Cultural exchanges have created a base of mutual familiarity.
- Indian businesses, particularly in pharmaceuticals and ICT, are well-established in the Ghanaian economy.
Modi’s speech, where he dedicated the award to “the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” resonated deeply with the cultural dimensions of this relationship.
Economic Prospects for Ghana
Ghana stands to gain significantly from deeper ties with India:
- Skill Development: Equips Ghana’s youth for modern industries.
- Healthcare Initiatives: Lowers medical costs and improves accessibility.
- Trade Expansion: Opens new markets for Ghanaian goods.
- Digital Transformation: Modernizes financial systems.
For a country striving to diversify beyond oil and gold, India’s partnership could provide critical momentum.
Despite the optimism, challenges remain:
- Navigating competition with China’s entrenched presence in Africa.
- Ensuring that development cooperation translates into tangible outcomes for ordinary citizens.
- Managing geopolitical tensions in an increasingly polarized world.
India will need to maintain consistency, sensitivity, and respect for Africa’s aspirations to ensure lasting partnerships.
The Global South and the Future
PM Modi’s visit is also significant in the context of the Global South—a term increasingly used to describe nations in Asia, Africa, and Latin America seeking a stronger voice in global governance.
India’s leadership in forums like the G20, BRICS, and the International Solar Alliance is increasingly intertwined with the interests of African partners like Ghana. The conferral of Ghana’s highest honour on Modi signifies trust in India’s role as a leader of the Global South. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic visit to Ghana and the conferral of The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana is far more than a ceremonial event. It symbolizes a deepening partnership between two nations bound by history, democratic ideals, and shared ambitions for a prosperous future. From skill development and agriculture to healthcare, digital finance, and strategic diplomacy, this visit represents a multi-layered blueprint for cooperation. As Africa rises on the global stage, India’s engagement through such high-profile visits signals a commitment not only to bilateral ties but also to reshaping the dynamics of the Global South. In the end, as the medals are placed in velvet boxes and speeches fade into the official record, the true legacy of this visit will lie in whether these grand promises translate into real change and mutual progress. For both India and Ghana, the stage is set for an exciting new chapter—and perhaps, an even brighter shared future under the stars.
