PM Modi Honored with Ghana's Highest Award: A Deepening Friendship

In a significant diplomatic event, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was recently bestowed with Ghana's highest civilian honor, the 'Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.' This prestigious award was presented by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, acknowledging PM Modi's exceptional statesmanship and impactful leadership on the global stage.

A Nod to a Nation's Aspirations

Upon receiving the accolade, Prime Minister Modi expressed his profound gratitude, dedicating the honor to the 1.4 billion people of India. He emphasized that the award truly belongs to the aspirations of India's youth, its rich cultural heritage, and the enduring historical bonds between Ghana and India. Modi also extended his sincere thanks to the people and government of Ghana for this remarkable gesture, highlighting the shared democratic values and traditions that continue to strengthen the partnership between the two nations. He noted that this award not only deepens their friendship but also places a renewed responsibility on him to champion and advance bilateral ties.

Forging Ahead: New Momentum in India-Ghana Relations

PM Modi conveyed his strong belief that his historic State Visit to Ghana would inject new vigor into India-Ghana relations. During his visit, he announced India's commitment to establish a Skill Development Centre in Ghana to empower its youth and support Ghana's 'Feed Ghana' program, all part of a broader strategy to fortify bilateral ties.

In a joint press briefing with President Mahama, Prime Minister Modi outlined ambitious plans for expanding cooperation across crucial sectors, including agriculture, education, defense, healthcare, and digital payments. He declared India's intention to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana, underscoring a commitment to educational exchange. Modi also affirmed India's readiness to collaborate with President Mahama's 'Feed Ghana' initiative in the agricultural sector. Furthermore, he proposed extending India's 'affordable healthcare, reliable care' model through Jan Aushadhi Kendras to the citizens of Ghana, with discussions also touching upon cooperation in vaccine production.

Boosting Economic and Financial Connectivity

Looking to the future, Prime Minister Modi revealed India's aspiration to double trade with Ghana within the next five years. To enhance financial connectivity, India also plans to offer its indigenous Bharat UPI digital payments system to Ghana.

A Testament to Enduring Friendship

Earlier in the day, President Mahama warmly welcomed the Indian Prime Minister, emphasizing that the visit was a clear reflection of the long-standing friendship between their nations. He highlighted that the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India were forged by the visionary leadership of Ghana's first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India's former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru. This visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years, is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi's unwavering engagement with Africa and the Global South.