What Historic Ties Unite India and Ghana? MEA on PM Modi's Visit

Accra, July 3 (NationPress) On Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ghana for a two-day state visit, where he will engage in discussions with the nation’s leadership to evaluate the robust bilateral ties. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed in a statement that both nations share a warm and historical connection.

MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted on his official X account that this marks the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in the last 30 years.

“India and Ghana have stood together in their struggle against colonialism. This bond was evident when President John Dramani Mahama personally welcomed Prime Minister Modi at the airport,” Jaiswal noted on X.

Upon arrival, PM Modi received both a ceremonial and traditional Ghanaian welcome, complete with music and dance. A large gathering of the Indian community, numbering approximately 15,000, warmly welcomed him at his hotel with colorful posters.

According to the MEA, PM Modi’s schedule includes official engagements and discussions with the President of Ghana, followed by a state banquet in his honor on Wednesday evening.

The Prime Minister will pay tribute to Ghana's first President, Kwame Nkrumah, as part of his visit, which is significant as it marks his first bilateral engagement in Ghana.

“Just landed in Accra, Ghana. I am grateful for the warm welcome from President John Dramani Mahama. Our nations are eager to collaborate further to enhance our enduring relationship,” PM Modi expressed in a post on X.

During this grand welcome, PM Modi was honored with a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute.

“PM @narendramodi arrived in Accra, Ghana, marking a historic visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. President @JDMahama’s personal reception at the airport reflects the strong ties between our nations,” the Prime Minister's Office posted on X.

This welcoming gesture symbolizes the profound and historic friendship shared by the two nations, as stated by the MEA.

The MEA asserted, “This visit, the first in thirty years, aims to further solidify the partnership between India and Ghana, highlighting India’s commitment to engaging with Africa and Global South partners.”

“Celebrating India-Ghana friendship! PM @narendramodi arrives in Accra, welcomed with a colorful ceremony,” Jaiswal noted on X.

Upon reaching the hotel, PM Modi was met by enthusiastic members of the Indian community, who chanted 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai' and 'Hare Krishna', accompanied by a musical and dance performance.

PM Modi acknowledged Ghana's role as a valuable partner in the Global South and its significance within the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States prior to his departure.

He expressed eagerness to discuss avenues for enhancing the historical ties between the two countries, including sectors such as investment, energy, health, security, capacity building, and development partnerships.

“As fellow democracies, it will be a privilege to address the Parliament of Ghana,” he added.

During this engagement, PM Modi plans to discuss methods for reinforcing bilateral partnerships through economic, energy, and defense collaborations, as stated by the MEA.

His visit aims to reaffirm the commitment of both nations to deepen bilateral relations and enhance India’s engagement with ECOWAS and the African Union.

Following his Ghana visit, PM Modi will travel to Trinidad and Tobago from July 3 to 4, then to Argentina from July 4 to 5, and later to Brazil for the 17th BRICS summit, before concluding his trip in Namibia.