- PM Modi was awarded The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
- He dedicated the honor to the aspirations of youth in both countries.
- A new ‘Comprehensive Partnership’ was established during his visit.
- India will support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative and set up a Skill Development Centre.
- PM Modi aims to double trade with Ghana over the next five years.
Modi Expresses Pride in Receiving Ghana’s Highest Honor
During a significant diplomatic event on Wednesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi accepted Ghana’s highest civilian honor, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, from President John Mahama. Addressing this milestone, PM Modi emphasized the importance of the award, stating, “It is a matter of immense pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s highest honour.” The Prime Minister also conveyed his gratitude towards the Ghanaian leader, thanking him, the Government of Ghana, and the citizens of the nation, representing 1.4 billion Indians through this honor.
Strengthening Bilateral Relationships through New Initiatives
Modi took the opportunity to dedicate the award to the youth of India and Ghana, highlighting their aspirations and the rich tapestry of cultural diversity shared between the two nations. In a historic visit that marked the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over 30 years, he discussed major plans with President Mahama to boost the two countries’ relationship to a ‘Comprehensive Partnership’. According to PM Modi, India will not merely act as a partner but as a “co-traveller” in Ghana’s nation-building, marking a new phase in bilateral ties.
New Collaborations Focus on Development and Security
As part of this renewed partnership, PM Modi announced initiatives like the establishment of a Skill Development Centre for vocational education and efforts to support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative. He shared that both countries would double ITEC and ICCR scholarships, which he remarked as a significant step in strengthening ties. The discussion also extended to increasing agricultural cooperation, healthcare initiatives through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, and collaboration in vaccine production.
A Look Towards the Future of India-Ghana Relations
Beyond education and agriculture, PM Modi expressed intentions to double trade with Ghana over the next five years, emphasizing a shared digital payment platform, Bharat UPI. He also called for intensified cooperation in counter-terrorism, noting the shared threat it poses to both nations. The visit concluded with President Mahama underlining the historical relationship between the two countries, founded on the legacies of their pioneering leaders, and looked forward to the mutual benefits that will come from this cooperation.
In summary, PM Modi’s visit to Ghana represents a pivotal moment in Indian-Ghanaian relations, with the conferral of the highest state honor serving as a symbol of mutual respect and friendship. The two leaders agreed on significant initiatives aimed at enhancing economic ties, vocational education, and counter-terrorism efforts, promising a brighter future for both nations. This visit not only celebrates historical ties but also lays the groundwork for a comprehensive partnership directed toward mutual growth.
