Prime Minister Narendra Modi has commenced a five-nation tour with a landmark visit to Ghana, marking the first time an Indian Prime Minister has visited the country in three decades. Upon arrival in Accra on July 2, 2025, PM Modi was warmly received by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama and accorded a ceremonial welcome, including a Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute. This visit underscores the strengthening relationship between India and Ghana and India's commitment to engaging with Africa and the Global South.
PM Modi's two-day visit to Ghana is focused on strengthening bilateral ties, fostering economic cooperation, and solidifying the bonds of friendship between the two nations. The visit is expected to deepen cooperation in areas such as trade, development partnerships, capacity building, and cultural exchange. Discussions between PM Modi and President Mahama will aim to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade, investment, agriculture, technology, education, healthcare, and energy. They will also exchange views on regional and global issues of mutual interest. Several bilateral agreements are expected to be signed to consolidate cooperation frameworks between Ghana and India.
India and Ghana share historical ties rooted in anti-colonial solidarity. India has been a committed development partner for Ghana, extending approximately $450 million in concessional credit and grants for infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Key initiatives include the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, the Rural Electrification Project, and the rehabilitation of the Jubilee House Presidential Complex.
Bilateral trade between India and Ghana stood at approximately $3 billion in 2023-24. India imports gold and cocoa from Ghana and exports pharmaceuticals, electrical goods, machinery, and automobiles to Ghana. India is among Ghana's top trading partners and a major investor, with over $1.2 billion invested in sectors like agro-processing, mining, manufacturing, construction, and ICT.
PM Modi's visit takes place against the backdrop of growing Chinese influence in Africa and a recent standoff between China and Ghana over illegal gold mining. India is likely to position itself as a counterbalance to China's influence in Ghana's resource sector, particularly in the gold industry, where India is a major importer of Ghanaian gold.
The visit also aims to enhance cooperation on vaccine development and potentially establish a vaccine hub in Ghana for West Africa, representing a new dimension of collaboration. Ghana is a key destination for Indian pharmaceutical exports, which are critical to the country's healthcare system. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Ghana received 652,000 doses of Made-in-India vaccines.
Overall, PM Modi's visit to Ghana is a significant step towards strengthening bilateral relations, deepening economic cooperation, and reinforcing India's commitment to the African continent and the Global South.
