Accra, Ghana, July 3 (ANI): India and Ghana signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) on Wednesday to enhance bilateral cooperation in key areas including culture, health, standardization, and institutional dialogue. The agreements were formalized following delegation-level talks between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Mahama in Accra.
At a press briefing after the meeting, Secretary (Economic Relations) Dammu Ravi said the MoUs cover cultural exchange, traditional medicine, standards collaboration, and the establishment of a Joint Commission.
“After the delegation-level talks, there was the signing of four Memoranda of Understanding—one to establish the Joint Commission meeting at the Foreign Office level. Second is traditional medicine, where there is scope for both sides to exchange expert training. The third is the cultural exchange program, which we hope will encourage cultural exchanges and tourism. The fourth one is in the area of standard setting,” Ravi said.
The Cultural Exchange Program (CEP) aims to foster greater understanding and exchange in the fields of art, music, dance, literature, and heritage. Another MoU, signed between the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) and the Ghana Standards Authority (GSA), seeks to enhance cooperation in standardization, certification, and conformity assessment.
The third agreement, between the Institute of Traditional and Alternative Medicine (ITAM), Ghana, and the Institute of Teaching and Research in Ayurveda (ITRA), India, focuses on collaboration in traditional medicine education, training, and research. The fourth MoU establishes a Joint Commission Meeting to institutionalize high-level dialogue and regularly review bilateral cooperation mechanisms.
Secretary Ravi also confirmed that Prime Minister Modi agreed to support Ghana in developing its agriculture sector.
“President Mahama mentioned during the discussions that he sought India’s cooperation in the area of agriculture, to help Ghana become a food basket and ensure food security for its people. Prime Minister Modi agreed to support Ghana in this endeavor,” he said.
The leaders also explored opportunities to strengthen pharmaceutical and vaccine production in Ghana.
“President Mahama is interested in making Ghana a hub for vaccines. Some development has already taken place in collaboration with the Global Vaccine Alliance. He wants Indian entrepreneurs to come and set up manufacturing units in pharmaceuticals and vaccines, where India has advanced its capacity,” Ravi added.
This is the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ghana in over three decades. The trip is expected to significantly deepen the India-Ghana partnership and underscore India’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.
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