PM Modi in Ghana: Strengthening Global South Ties
PM Modi’s speech echoed the ethos of “One Earth, One Family, One Future.” Acknowledging the shared colonial history of India and Ghana, Modi celebrated both nations’ resilient spirits and democratic progress. He hailed Ghana as a “beacon of inspiration” and emphasized the role of both countries in reshaping the post-World War global order.
Elevated Partnership: Beyond Investment
Modi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama announced the elevation of bilateral ties into a comprehensive partnership. With two-way trade already crossing $3.1 billion, both nations aim to double this figure in the next five years. Indian investments in Ghana have reached $2 billion across 900 projects.
“Our goal is not just to invest but to empower,” Modi stated, reaffirming India’s support for African Union’s Agenda 2063 and Ghana’s development through local capacity-building and employment generation.
Key Areas of Cooperation
- Defence & Security: Agreements on military training, maritime security, defence supplies, and cybersecurity.
- Food Security: Support for Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative and agricultural machinery supply.
- Vaccine Production: Plans to develop Ghana as a vaccine hub for West Africa in partnership with Indian pharma companies.
- Digital Payments: Offer to implement India’s Unified Payment Interface (UPI) system in Ghana.
- Healthcare: Expansion of Jan Aushadhi Kendras to provide affordable medicine.
Shared Vision for the Global South
PM Modi underlined the need for reforms in outdated global institutions. Citing India’s efforts to grant permanent G20 membership to the African Union, he said, “Progress can’t come without giving voice to the Global South.”
He also praised Ghana for its support in the fight against terrorism and expressed solidarity against regional threats like piracy and Sahel-linked extremism.
Symbolic Announcements and MoUs
Four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed:
- Permanent Joint Commission for bilateral dialogue
- Cultural exchange cooperation
- BIS-GSA agreement on standards and certification
- Ayurveda and traditional medicine research collaboration
PM Modi also dedicated Ghana’s prestigious state honour — Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana — to India’s enduring friendship with Ghana and its 1.4 billion citizens.
Innovation and Inspiration
Highlighting India’s transformation into a tech-driven economy, PM Modi cited achievements like Chandrayaan and India’s upcoming Gaganyaan space mission. He noted with pride that both milestones coincided with his visits to Africa — symbolizing the connection between India’s rise and Africa’s future.
Conclusion: Unity for Generations
“Let us build a partnership not just for today, but for generations to come,” PM Modi concluded, encapsulating the spirit of South-South cooperation and sustainable development. His visit has not only fortified India-Ghana relations but has sent a powerful message to the world about a more inclusive and multipolar future.