Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Accra on Tuesday, becoming the first Indian leader to visit Ghana in more than three decades. His arrival was met with a warm welcome from President John Dramani Mahama, signaling a renewed commitment to strengthening ties between the two nations.
The visit — part of Modi’s multi-nation tour of West Africa — marks a significant moment in Indo-Ghanaian relations. The two leaders held bilateral talks at Jubilee House, focusing on deepening cooperation in trade, energy, technology, and education.
“This is more than a diplomatic gesture — it’s a message of friendship, shared values, and mutual interest,” President Mahama said during a joint press briefing. “Ghana and India share a long history, and this visit opens a new chapter.”
Prime Minister Modi described Ghana as a “key partner in Africa,” and emphasized India’s role as a development ally. “India stands ready to support Ghana’s priorities — from infrastructure and health to digital transformation,” he said.
Several agreements were signed, including a $150 million line of credit from India to support rural electrification in Ghana, as well as a memorandum of understanding to establish a new Centre for Innovation and Skill Development in Accra.
Modi also addressed a gathering of business leaders at the Ghana-India Business Forum, calling for greater collaboration in agriculture, pharmaceuticals, and technology. He highlighted the potential for Indian investors in Ghana’s growing digital economy and praised the country’s stable political climate and pro-business reforms.
Earlier in the day, the Indian leader paid tribute to Ghana’s first president, laying a wreath at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park — a symbolic gesture underscoring the historical ties between two former British colonies that emerged as leaders in the Non-Aligned Movement.
The last Indian Prime Minister to visit Ghana was Rajiv Gandhi in 1988. Since then, bilateral ties have remained cordial but relatively low-profile. Modi’s visit appears to be part of a broader effort by New Delhi to re-engage with Africa amid growing global competition for influence on the continent.
The day ended with a state banquet hosted by President Mahama, featuring cultural performances and a renewed promise of cooperation.
As Ghana positions itself as a gateway to West Africa, and India seeks new markets and allies, both leaders made it clear: this visit is just the beginning.
By : Isaac Fiifi Klotey Mensah