Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s historic state visit to Ghana has concluded — a landmark occasion, as it marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, described the event as more than ceremonial, calling it a pivotal moment in bilateral relations.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter) on Saturday, July 5, Mr Ablakwa stated that the visit “marks a watershed moment in our diplomatic relations.”
He went on to highlight ten visionary agreements that were reached between Ghana and India during the visit.
Prime Minister Modi, leader of the world’s largest democracy, was in Ghana from July 2 to 3 for a two-day official visit.
Ghana, one of Africa’s most enduring liberal democracies, hosted the Indian leader as part of efforts to deepen strategic and economic cooperation.
According to presidential spokesperson and MP Felix Kwakye Ofosu, the visit aimed to reaffirm “the warm and longstanding friendly relations between Ghana and India, as well as the importance both nations place on strengthening their strategic partnership.”
Below are the 10 key visionary agreements, as outlined by the Foreign Minister:
1) Elevating our bilateral relations to Comprehensive Partnership which makes us special allies for wider and deeper priority cooperation;
2) Committing to double trade from the current $3billion to $6billion in the short term;
3) Partnership with India being the world’s pharmaceutical headquarters to make Ghana the Vaccine Hub of Africa so we can change the unacceptable situation where Africa produces only 1% of its vaccine requirements;
4) A strategic Defense Cooperation Pact;
5) A standardization of trade standards;
6) Establishment of a world-class Institute for Medicines at the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS);
7) Enhanced Agricultural Cooperation for rapid agric modernization and food security;
8)Digital Technologies Collaboration to support President Mahama’s One Million Coders Initiative, Innovation Hub and Fintech Promotion — acknowledging that 50 per cent of global digital transactions take place in India;
9) Renewable Energy Partnerships under the Solar Alliance;
10) New Terms for deeper Creative Arts and Cultural Exchange.