What Economic Agenda Will Guide PM Modi's Historic Visit to Ghana?

New Delhi/Accra, June 30 (NationPress) The economic agenda is set to be the focal point of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's imminent visit to Ghana, recognized as one of the most rapidly growing economies in West Africa, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) on Monday.

Ghana will serve as the initial destination in PM Modi's five-nation journey, which begins on July 2, followed by visits to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

This July 2-3 visit marks PM Modi's inaugural bilateral trip to Ghana and the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 30 years.

A ceremonial welcome for PM Modi is scheduled for July 2, followed by in-depth delegation-level discussions aimed at reviewing bilateral relations and exploring avenues to enhance and deepen these ties. The Prime Minister will also engage in a one-on-one meeting with his Ghanaian counterpart, culminating in a banquet dinner in his honor. On the following day, he will address the Parliament and interact with the local Indian community, which numbers around 15,000, according to MEA Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi during a media briefing.

As both nations work to strengthen their bilateral relationship, PM Modi's visit is significant, especially as it takes place early in the tenure of Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama, who took office in January after a resounding electoral victory.

Reinforcing India's role as a representative of the Global South, PM Modi has highlighted India's rising stature as a 'Vishwa Bandhu' in a fragmented world.

Over the past 11 years, India has firmly established itself as a steadfast ally of Africa, with PM Modi reiterating New Delhi's commitment to the continent.

India's historical ties with Ghana have evolved into a multifaceted partnership over the seven decades of their relationship.

“We championed Ghana's cause at the UN long before its independence in 1957. Our nations have maintained close ties across various multilateral platforms on issues vital to the Global South,” stated the MEA Secretary.

Both countries are focused on enhancing economic cooperation as Ghana embarks on significant economic restructuring.

The bilateral trade between India and Ghana currently stands at approximately $3 billion, largely due to substantial gold imports, which account for over 70% of total imports from Ghana. The MEA Secretary indicated that the economic agenda will be a primary focus during the visit.

“Key agenda items during the visit will include agriculture, where the Ghanaian President seeks to collaborate with India, vaccine development to establish a hub in Ghana that serves not only Ghana but also West Africa, defense cooperation, critical minerals, and digital public infrastructure,” said Secretary Ravi.

The MEA emphasized that this visit will reaffirm the commitment of both nations to strengthen bilateral relations and enhance India's engagement with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union.

India-Ghana relations have historically been warm and friendly, built on strong foundations of shared values and a common vision. India opened its representative office in Accra in 1953, prior to Ghana’s independence, and established full diplomatic relations immediately after in 1957.

The partnership is characterized by a robust and growing trade and investment relationship. India ranks among Ghana's top trading partners and is the largest market for Ghanaian exports.

India has further supported Ghana's development by providing assistance for various projects through concessional Lines of Credit (LoC) and grants, amounting to approximately US$450 million.

The Indian community in Ghana is significant, exceeding 15,000 members, with some families having resided in Ghana for over 70 years, and many now hold Ghanaian citizenship.

“The Presidency of the Republic of Ghana is delighted to announce that Prime Minister Narendra Modi will conduct a two-day official visit to Ghana starting Wednesday. This visit underscores the warm and enduring relations between Ghana and India, highlighting the importance both nations place on reinforcing their strategic partnership,” stated Felix Kwakye Ofosu, Presidential Spokesman and Minister of State for Government Communications of Ghana.

According to the Ghanaian Presidency, Prime Minister Modi's visit is expected to enhance bilateral relations, deepen economic cooperation, and strengthen the ties of friendship between the peoples of Ghana and India.

“The two leaders will engage in discussions to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and energy. They will also share perspectives on regional and global issues of mutual concern,” the statement concluded.