In a landmark diplomatic engagement, Prime Minister Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister in 30 years to visit Ghana, marking a historic moment in India-Ghana relations. He is only the third Indian Prime Minister to visit the country after Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in 1957 and P. V. Narasimha Rao in 1995.
During this significant visit, PM Modi was conferred with the prestigious “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” by President John Mahama. He accepted the award on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and dedicated it to the aspirations of the Indian youth.
On the social media platform X, he wrote: “I thank the people and Government of Ghana for conferring the ‘Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’ upon me. This honour is dedicated to the bright future of our youth, their aspirations, our rich diversity, and the historical ties between India and Ghana.”
He added, “India will always stand with the people of Ghana and contribute as a trusted friend and development partner.”
The award was conferred on the Prime Minister in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership,” the MEA said on X.
Key Agreements Signed During the Visit
During PM Modi’s visit, both nations signed four significant Memorandum of Understanding (MoUs), further deepening cooperation across multiple sectors:
Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): To enhance mutual understanding and people-to-people ties through exchange in art, music, dance, literature, and heritage.
Standards Cooperation between BIS and GSA: An MoU between India’s Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and Ghana Standards Authority (GSA) to promote collaboration in standardization, certification, and conformity assessment.
Traditional Medicine Cooperation: A partnership between Ghana’s Institute of Traditional & Alternative Medicine (ITAM) and India’s Institute of Teaching & Research in Ayurveda (ITRA) to strengthen education, training, and research in traditional medicine.
Joint Commission Meeting Agreement: To institutionalize regular high-level dialogue and ensure periodic review of the bilateral cooperation framework.
