Accra, Ghana, July 3 (ANI): India will establish a Skill Development Center to train Ghanaian youth and support the country’s “Feed Ghana” program, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced Wednesday, as part of a broader effort to strengthen ties between the two nations.
Speaking at a joint press briefing with Ghanaian President John Mahama, Modi said India would expand cooperation with Ghana in agriculture, education, defense, healthcare, and digital payments.
“Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. Work will be done to establish a Skill Development Center for vocational education of youth,” Modi said.
“In the agricultural sector, we would be happy to cooperate with President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ program. Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide affordable, reliable healthcare to the citizens of Ghana. We also discussed cooperation in vaccine production,” he added.
The prime minister noted that India plans to double trade with Ghana within the next five years and extend its digital payments platform, Bharat UPI, to enhance financial connectivity.
“We have decided to double our trade within the next five years. In the area of FinTech, Bharat UPI will share the digital payment experience with Ghana,” he said.
Calling India a close partner, Modi announced the formal upgrade of bilateral ties.
“The president and I have agreed to elevate our bilateral relationship to the level of a ‘Comprehensive Partnership.’ India is more than just a partner; it stands as a co-traveler in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building,” he said.
He also stressed the need for deeper cooperation in security under a shared vision.
“In the defense and security sector, we will move forward with the mantra of ‘Security through Solidarity.’ Cooperation will be increased in areas like training of armed forces, maritime security, defense supply, and cyber security,” he said.
Modi thanked Ghana for its collaboration in counter-terrorism.
“We stand united in recognizing terrorism as a grave threat to humanity. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Ghana for its valuable cooperation in the fight against terrorism. In this regard, we have resolved to further enhance our mutual collaboration in counter-terrorism efforts,” he said.
President Mahama welcomed Modi and said the visit reflected the enduring friendship between the two countries.
“This visit is a testament to the deep-rooted historical ties between Ghana and India, founded on the visionary leadership of Ghana’s first president, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, and India’s former prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, as well as the ever-growing bonds of friendship and cooperation that exist between our two sisterly countries for the mutual benefit of our people,” Mahama said.
He noted that the two sides discussed cooperation in agriculture, energy, manufacturing, infrastructure, healthcare, and human resources.
This marks the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.
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