Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Ghana on July 2-3, 2025, has resulted in the elevation of India-Ghana relations to a "Comprehensive Partnership". This landmark visit, the first bilateral engagement by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades, signifies Ghana's growing importance in India's foreign policy objectives and economic ambitions.
During the visit, PM Modi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama engaged in extensive discussions and agreed to enhance cooperation across various sectors, including trade and investment, agriculture, capacity building, digital technology, infrastructure, and people-to-people connections. Both leaders aim to double the two-way trade between the countries in the next five years. Modi emphasized India's commitment to Ghana's development, stating that India is not just a partner but a "co-traveler" in Ghana's journey toward nation-building.
To solidify this enhanced partnership, India and Ghana signed four Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs). These include:
The strengthened relationship also encompasses defense and security cooperation, with both sides agreeing that terrorism is a shared enemy. They have committed to strengthen mutual cooperation in countering terrorism, with a focus on "security through solidarity". PM Modi expressed gratitude to Ghana for its cooperation in India's fight against terrorism. Areas of cooperation will include the training of armed forces.
India has historically been a committed development partner for Ghana, providing approximately $450 million in concessional credit and grants for infrastructure and capacity-building projects. Landmark initiatives include the India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre of Excellence, the Rural Electrification Project, and the Jubilee House Presidential Complex rehabilitation.
Ghana holds strategic importance for India as a gateway to West Africa and an ally in building a multipolar world order. Bilateral trade between the two countries is currently valued at around $3 billion, with Ghana being one of India's most important trading partners in West Africa. Gold accounts for over 70% of India's imports from Ghana, meeting the demands of India's growing industrial and jewelry market.
India and Ghana have established robust institutional mechanisms to facilitate regular dialogue. These include the Joint Commission established in 1995 and reinforced in 2016, a protocol for Foreign Office Consultations signed in 2002, and the Joint Trade Committee operational since 1981.
PM Modi's visit also highlighted the strong people-to-people connections between the two nations. He acknowledged the warmth of the Indian community in Accra and their role in fostering business relationships and cultural exchange. Educational ties are also strengthening, with education fairs held in Kumasi and Accra in 2024 and 2025. India provides training to Ghanaian personnel under the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) programme and offers scholarships to Ghanaian students.
