India–Ghana Relations

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ghana as part of a five-nation tour, marking the first visit by an Indian PM in over 30 years.The visit reflects India’s commitment to deepening ties with West Africa, particularly Ghana as a strategic partner.

Key Outcomes of the Visit

1. Historic Honour

   • PM Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana – recognizing his global leadership and statesmanship.

2. Elevation of Ties

   • Bilateral relationship elevated to a Comprehensive Partnership, reflecting stronger strategic, economic, and cultural cooperation.

3. Digital Public Infrastructure Cooperation

   • India offered to share its experience in Digital Public Infrastructure, including Unified Payments Interface (UPI) and digital identity solutions.

4. Voice for the Global South

   • India reaffirmed its commitment to being a champion of the Global South, thanking Ghana for its diplomatic support.

5. MoUs Signed

   • Cultural Exchange Programme (CEP): Promotes art, dance, literature, heritage.

     BIS–GSA Agreement: Cooperation in standardisation and certification.

     Traditional Medicine MoU: Between India’s ITRA and Ghana’s ITAM for Ayurveda and local healing systems.

     Institutional MoU: Framework for Joint Commission Meetings to review and expand bilateral cooperation.

Ghana: Strategic and Geopolitical

• Location: West Africa; borders Côte d’Ivoire, Burkina Faso, Togo, and the Gulf of Guinea.

  Historical Significance: First sub-Saharan African country to gain independence in 1957; formerly the Gold Coast.

  Natural Wealth: Rich in gold, cocoa, cashews, and oil.

  Stability: Political and economic reforms since the 1990s have made Ghana a model of democracy in Africa.

  Geographic Features:

  • Mount Afadjato (highest peak), Volta River, and Lake Volta (one of the world’s largest man-made lakes).

Evolution of India-Ghana Relations

1. Early Diplomatic Ties

• India established a representative office in Accra in 1953.

  Full diplomatic relations were formalized in 1957, coinciding with Ghana’s independence.

2. Shared Global Platforms

• Both countries are founding members of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).

  They have consistently collaborated on issues like decolonisation and South-South cooperation.

3. Institutional Mechanisms

• The India–Ghana Joint Commission was set up in 1995 to enable regular high-level dialogues.

  The Joint Trade Committee and Foreign Office Consultations further strengthen trade and diplomatic coordination.

4. Economic Relations

• Bilateral trade crossed USD 3 billion in 2024-25.

  Ghana exports gold, cocoa, and cashew nuts to India.

  India exports pharmaceuticals, agricultural machinery, and textiles to Ghana.

  The trade balance generally favours Ghana, mainly due to gold exports constituting 70% of imports.

5. Indian Investment and Healthcare Support

• Indian pharmaceutical companies are vital to Ghana’s healthcare system.

  Indian firms have invested nearly USD 2 billion in around 900 projects across Ghana.

6. Development Projects and Financial Assistance

• India has provided over USD 450 million in concessional loans and grants.

  Projects include rural electrification, sugar and fish processing facilities.

  India supported the Tema–Mpakadan railway project, featuring a 300-metre bridge over the Volta River, enhancing infrastructure and regional connectivity (linking Ghana with Burkina Faso).

7. Digital and Educational Collaboration

• The Ghana–India Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT (established 2003) is a leading IT research and education hub in West Africa.

  The Pan-African e-Network provides telemedicine and tele-education via Indian institutions.

  Over 1,100 Ghanaians trained under India’s ITEC program.

  Ghana joined India’s e-VidyaBharati and e-AarogyaBharati (e-VBAB) Network Project offering scholarships in IT, healthcare, business, tourism, and arts.

8. Indian Community and Cultural Ties

• The Indian diaspora in Ghana numbers over 15,000.

  Facilities include a Hindu temple, Gurudwara, and Hindu monastery.

  Organizations like ISKCON (mostly Ghanaian-run) and cultural centers promote Indian traditions.

  PM Narendra Modi was warmly welcomed with the chant "Hare Rama Hare Krishna," highlighting the strong cultural connection and India’s growing soft power in Ghana.

Significance of Ghana for India ????

1. Gateway to West Africa

• Strategic Location: Ghana’s central position in West Africa and proximity to the Gulf of Guinea make it a natural hub for regional diplomacy and trade.

  Democratic Stability: Ghana’s political stability and democratic credentials make it an ideal partner for India’s Africa-focused outreach.

  Access to ECOWAS: Ghana’s active role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) enhances India’s engagement with the wider West African region.

2. Economic and Trade Cooperation

• Critical Raw Materials: Ghana provides access to key natural resources such as:

  • Gold (comprising ~70% of Indian imports from Ghana)

  • Bauxite

  • Cocoa

  Trade Hub: India is one of Ghana’s top trading partners; Ghana benefits from a trade surplus, while India secures vital resources and export markets.

  Investment Destination: India is a top investor in Ghana across agro-processing, ICT, manufacturing, and infrastructure.

3. Strategic and Security Dimensions

• Maritime Importance: Ghana’s coastline along the Gulf of Guinea is vital for:

  • Maritime security

  • Energy shipping routes

  • Anti-piracy operations

  Defence Cooperation Potential: Expanding defence ties could open doors for:

  • Indian defence exports

  • Joint training and capacity building

  • Security partnerships in Africa

4. Development Partnership & South-South Cooperation

• Infrastructure Support: India has financed key infrastructure projects:

  • Tema–Mpakadan Railway Line

  • Rural electrification

  • Water supply and sanitation

  Lines of Credit & Grants: Over USD 450 million extended in concessional finance.

  Goodwill Diplomacy: Developmental assistance enhances India’s reputation as a responsible and empathetic partner.

5. Healthcare & Vaccine Diplomacy

• Pharmaceutical Hub: Ghana is a key destination for Indian generic drugs.

  Vaccine Collaboration: India aims to develop a regional vaccine hub in Ghana, aligning with:

  • India’s strength in affordable vaccine production

  • Africa’s growing healthcare infrastructure needs

6. Multilateral & Diplomatic Alignment

• Support for UNSC Seat: Ghana backs India’s claim for permanent membership in the United Nations Security Council.

  Collaborative Platforms:

  • Commonwealth

  • Non-Aligned Movement (NAM)

  • G77

  • India-Africa Forum Summit

  Shared values of democracy, equity, and south-south cooperation enhance diplomatic resonance.

7. Diaspora and Cultural Linkages

• Strong Indian Community: Over 15,000 persons of Indian origin contribute to Ghana’s economy, especially in trade, textiles, healthcare, and hospitality.

• Soft Power:

  • Cultural exports: Yoga, Indian cinema, and Ayurveda

  • Shared religious and spiritual traditions: ISKCON, temples, and cultural centers run by both Indians and Ghanaians

• Reinforces India’s image as an inclusive, pluralistic and benevolent global power.

India-Africa Relations

1. Economic Relations

• India is Africa’s 4th largest trading partner, with USD 100 billion in bilateral trade as of February 2025.

• Indian investments in Africa total USD 75 billion, with plans to double by 2030.

2. Development & Capacity Building

• Over USD 12 billion extended in concessional credit for 200+ projects in infrastructure, energy, and agriculture.

• Capacity-building initiatives include ITEC, Pan-African e-Network, and e-VBAB (education and healthcare scholarships).

3. Amplifying Africa’s Voice

• India strongly supported the African Union’s bid for permanent UNSC membership during its G20 presidency.

• Platforms like the India-Africa Forum Summit foster enhanced diplomatic and economic ties.

4. Strategic & Maritime Security Cooperation

• Africa’s location in the Indian Ocean region is vital for India’s maritime security and trade routes.

• India opened its first overseas naval base in Mauritius (2024) and hosts the India-Africa Army Chiefs Conclave (2023), strengthening defense collaboration.

5. Energy & Critical Minerals Security

• Africa supplies crude oil (Nigeria, Angola) and critical minerals (cobalt, manganese) crucial for India’s clean energy and electric vehicle goals.

6. Cultural & Historical Foundations

• Strong links via the Indian diaspora, shared colonial history, and inspiration from freedom struggles (e.g., Gandhi and Mandela).

7. Technology & Innovation Collaboration

• Partnerships in digital transformation, smart cities, and fintech driven by Indian IT firms and startups.

• India committed USD 2 billion for solar projects in Africa under the International Solar Alliance.

8. India-Japan-Africa Trilateral Engagement

• Through the Asia-Africa Growth Corridor (AAGC), India combines Japan’s capital, its own tech, and Africa’s youthful population to promote inclusive growth and development.