Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a spirited welcome from members of the Indian community upon his arrival in Ghana on Wednesday, marking the start of a significant diplomatic visit to the West African nation.
Hundreds gathered at a hotel in Accra to greet the Prime Minister, chanting slogans such as ‘Modi-Modi’, ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’, and ‘Vande Mataram’.
A vibrant and longstanding Indian Community
Ghana is home to a vibrant Indian community of over 15,000 people, with some families residing in the country for more than seven decades.
Many are now Ghanaian citizens, while a number work in multinational corporations and leading Ghanaian enterprises.
The reception was marked by lively cultural performances, including a local instrumental rendition of ‘Jai Ho’, which PM Modi watched appreciatively.
In a heartwarming moment, he was seen holding a child from one of the Indian families, to the delight of the crowd.
Ghanaians joined in the celebration, chanting ‘Hare Krishna, Hare Rama’ alongside members of the Indian diaspora.
Accra hosts a range of spiritual centres catering to the Indian community, including a Hindu temple, a Gurudwara, a Hindu Monastery, an ISKCON temple primarily managed by Ghanaians, and an Art of Living Centre.
Earlier in the day, Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama personally welcomed PM Modi at Kotoka International Airport—a rare diplomatic gesture underscoring the importance of the visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years.
A ceremonial reception held, followed by a brief interaction between the two leaders at the airport’s Jubilee Lounge.
In his departure statement, PM Modi highlighted Ghana’s strategic role in the Global South, the African Union, and ECOWAS.
“Ghana is a valued partner in the Global South and plays an important role in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States. I look forward to my exchanges aimed at further deepening our historical ties and opening up new windows of cooperation, including in the areas of investment, energy, health, security, capacity building and development partnership. As fellow democracies, it will be an honour to speak at the Parliament of Ghana,” the Prime Minister noted.
PM Modi begins African tour with Ghana as first stop
Ghana is the first stop on PM Modi’s five-nation tour, which will also take him to Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
High-level delegation talks are to take place later on Wednesday in Accra, alongside a private meeting between the two leaders, followed by a state banquet in honour of PM Modi.
On Thursday, PM Modi will likely address Ghana’s Parliament and further engage with the local Indian community.
Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs, asserted, “President John Dramani Mahama has just assumed office in January of this year after a landslide victory, which is why the visit assumes importance. Early in his tenure, the Honourable Prime Minister will be visiting Ghana. So, it will help in the continuity as well as deepen the relationship and to discuss various ways to further strengthen the relationship.”
PM Modi and President Mahama share diplomatic history
President Mahama previously visited India, notably to attend the India-Africa Forum Summit in 2015. He and Indian leaders have also held discussions during several international gatherings over the years.
“India’s relations with Ghana are historical. In the seven decades of a relationship, it has evolved into a multi-faceted one. We took up the cause of Ghana in the UN much before it won independence in 1957, and we have maintained a close relationship in the multilateral fora on various issues that are important for the global South,” the MEA Secretary noted.
The ministry outlined plans for enhanced economic collaboration between the two nations, as Ghana embarks on a significant economic restructuring process.
“Ghana has undergone the IMF conditionalities almost 17 times. So, the economic agenda will dominate the talks. The bilateral trade between India and Ghana is about $3 billion in favour of Ghana because of the large imports of gold. Investments in Ghana are about $2 billion. Both private sector-wise, which is about a billion dollars and the second half, you have lines of credit and the buyer’s credit … activities and projects have been undertaken. We have very strong cooperation in the capacity building under ITEC, and that is continuing to be stronger and deepened,” the senior diplomat made the remarks at a special briefing in New Delhi on Monday.
Vaccine, Defence, and Digital cooperation on the agenda
Ghana is also looking to collaborate with India in vaccine research and hopes to establish a vaccine hub for West Africa. Defence cooperation, digital infrastructure, and access to critical minerals are other key areas on the agenda.
The Ministry of External Affairs stated that this visit reflects the shared resolve of both nations to build stronger bilateral relations and reinforce India’s strategic engagement with ECOWAS and the broader African continent.
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