NEWS COMMENTARY LOOKS AT THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE RECENT OFFICIAL VISIT BY THE INDIA PRIME MINISTER NARENDRA MODI TO GHANA AND THE IMMENSE BENEFITS TO BE DERIVED FROM HIS VISIT
Ghana and India share diplomatic history that dates back to 1953, when India opened a diplomatic office in Accra, formalizing full relations in 1957, the same year Ghana gained her independence. Both nations are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement, a group of states that are not formally aligned with or against any significant power bloc and have historically stood together on issues of decolonization and international solidarity. High-level visits from both sides, have underscored the importance of this strong bond of friendship between both countries. Ghanaian leaders including the first President Osagyefo Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Flt-Lt Jerry John Rawlings both of blessed memory and Nana Addo Dankwa Akuffo-Addo, the immediate past president, have once traveled to India on official visits. Similarly, President Pranab Mukherjee, 2016 and former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao, 1995, have also traveled to Ghana on official visit. The two countries have established structured mechanisms for dialogue, including the Ghana-India Joint Commission for Cooperation which facilitates high-level discussions on various aspects of bilateral relations. Additionally, there is the Joint Trade Committee, which promotes trade and investment, as well as regular Foreign Office Consultations, which address diplomatic issues and foster mutual understanding among the two countries. These frameworks have provided a steady foundation for policy coordination and development cooperation.
The recent visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, therefore underscores the strong bond of friendship between Ghana and India in all spheres of endeavour between both countries. Mr. Modi who ended his two day visit to Ghana last week, marked the occasion with significant diplomatic milestones in India’s outreach to Africa, focusing on trade, health, energy and capacity building. During his visit, Mr. Modi held high-level talks with President John Dramani Mahama, addressed Parliament and witnessed the signing of several bilateral agreements including health, agriculture, digital infrastructure and defence. At a meeting with President John Mahama at the Jubilee House, Prime Minister Modi said India and Ghana had elevated their ties to the level of comprehensive partnership and he re-affirmed that New Delhi was a co-traveler in the African nation’s development. He said both Countries had set a target of doubling the two-way trade in the next five years. On Thursday, July 3, when he addressed Parliament, he positioned Ghana as the land of Gold, not just for what lies under its soil, but as much for the warmth and strength in the heart. He dedicated the prestigious “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” the highest civilian award conferred on him by President John Mahama to the enduring friendly and shared values between their two countries.
Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ghana was steeped in symbolism and warm gestures that underscored the deep-rooted friendship between Ghana and India which should not be taken for granted. India holds the fourth position among the world’s top economies, boasting a staggering chained real Gross domestic Product of 4.3 trillion dollars in 2025. It falls under the categories of developing economies and lower middle- income countries. It is a country rich in mineral resources which include coal, iron ore and manganese ore. Apart from these, chromite, natural gas, diamonds, limestone and thorium exist in large quantities in India. These mineral resources and products place the country in better position to support friendly nations including Ghana to develop their economies. That is why Ghana has to capitalize on the warm and friendly visit by Prime Minister Modi to build and strengthen its economy. In the words of President Mahama, Prime Minister Modi is a global stateman of transformational leadership in view of his crucial role in reshaping India’s digital economy and advancing South-South cooperation. The whole world is advancing towards a technological era and Ghana must be seen to be taking advantage of India’s rich experience in that field especially digital technology to improve on the sector. We salute Prime Minister Modi and wish him well in his bid to make the World a safe place.
WRITTEN BY CHARLES NEEQUAYE, FORMER EDITOR, GHANAIAN TIMES.
