Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has arrived in Ghana on a historic state visit — the first by an Indian leader in three decades. The last such visit was made by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in November 1995.

The visit is being hailed as a reaffirmation of the deep-rooted diplomatic and historical ties between the two nations, originally forged under the leadership of Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s founding Prime Minister, Pundit Jawaharlal Nehru. It marks the first stop on Prime Minister Modi’s five-nation tour, which will conclude at the BRICS Summit in Brazil.

Speaking to the media after bilateral talks at the Jubilee House in Accra, President John Dramani Mahama emphasised the significance of the visit, describing it as a milestone that lays the foundation for a renewed era of partnership and cooperation across key sectors.

 “The two sides have engaged in significant discussions to deepen cooperation across various sectors of our economy, including agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, development, human resources, and health,” President Mahama stated.

The two countries signed a number of Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs) aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation. These include:

The establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission to institutionalise and coordinate ongoing cooperation.

An MOU between Ghana’s Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine and the University of Health and Allied Sciences, in partnership with India’s Institute of Teaching and Research.

An MOU on cultural exchange to promote mutual appreciation of cultural heritage.

An agreement between the Ghana Standards Authority and the Bureau of Indian Standards to harmonise quality standards and promote trade.

President Mahama also revealed that Ghana has proposed additional MOUs through consultations between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indian High Commission. These include:

An MOU on vaccine manufacture and production

An MOU on the supply of agricultural machinery and implements

An MOU on defence cooperation

The visit comes at a critical time as Ghana undergoes economic restructuring through debt treatment programs and support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). President Mahama noted that the country is looking to leverage its relationship with India to boost investment and economic recovery.

“Both countries will work to deepen economic and investment relations at a time that Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring… Ghana and India intend to pursue these engagements through diplomatic mechanisms, including foreign office consultations and the permanent joint commission for cooperation,” he said.

To honour Prime Minister Modi’s visit and contribution to strengthening bilateral relations, Ghana will bestow upon him the National Award of the Order of the Star of Ghana at a state banquet.

On Thursday, July 3, Prime Minister Modi is scheduled to visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, a symbolic site reflecting India’s longstanding support for African liberation and South-South cooperation.

In a historic first, Prime Minister Modi will also address Ghana’s Parliament — an event President Mahama described as highly significant, given India’s stature as the world’s largest democracy.

 “As the world’s largest democracy, India’s Prime Minister’s address to the Parliament is a significant event,” President Mahama added.

The visit is expected to deepen Ghana-India relations across all fronts and further entrench the shared vision of cooperation, prosperity, and mutual respect between the two nations.