In a historic diplomatic milestone, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian PM in over three decades, has redefined bilateral relations, elevating them to a Comprehensive Partnership. This strategic alliance spans agriculture, healthcare, digital payments, education, defence, and cultural exchange, reflecting a shared vision for inclusive development and Global South solidarity.

🌾 Agriculture & Food Security: India Backs Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ Programme

Launched in April 2025 by President John Mahama, the Feed Ghana Programme (FGP) is Ghana’s flagship initiative under the Agriculture for Economic Transformation Agenda (AETA). It aims to modernize farming, reduce food inflation, and create jobs through:

• Prioritization of key crops like maize, rice, and cocoa

• Establishment of Farmers’ Service Centres for mechanization and technical support

• Promotion of urban agriculture and home gardens to boost vegetable production

• Development of agro-production enclaves to attract private investment

India pledged technical assistance, agricultural machinery, and capacity-building support. PM Modi stated, “In agriculture, it will be our pleasure to lend support towards President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ programme”.

💊 Healthcare: Jan Aushadhi Kendras & Vaccine Collaboration

India will introduce Jan Aushadhi Kendras in Ghana to provide affordable generic medicines, modelled after its successful domestic initiative. This move aligns with Ghana’s goal to expand pharmaceutical access and reduce healthcare costs.

Key developments include:

• Plans to establish a vaccine manufacturing hub in Ghana, supported by Indian expertise and the Global Vaccine Alliance4

• Doubling of ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghanaian students in health and governance fields

PM Modi emphasized, “Through Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide Ghana’s citizens with affordable healthcare, reliable care”.

💳 Digital Payments: Linking Bharat UPI with GHIPSS

India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) will be integrated with Ghana’s Interbank Payment and Settlement Systems (GHIPSS) within six months10. This will enable:

• Instant, low-cost fund transfers between users in both countries

• Enhanced financial inclusion and cross-border trade facilitation

• Potential for Local Currency Settlement Systems (LCCS) to reduce dollar dependency

Ghana’s Graphic Online described this as a “landmark agreement” that will revolutionize bilateral financial transactions.

🛡️ Defence & Security: ‘Security Through Solidarity’

India and Ghana will deepen cooperation in:

• Armed forces training

• Maritime security in the Gulf of Guinea

• Cybersecurity and defence supply chains

• Counter-terrorism efforts, especially in response to threats from the Sahel region.

President Mahama expressed Ghana’s “clear interest” in sourcing Indian defence equipment and training support. PM Modi affirmed, “We will move forward with the mantra of ‘Security through Solidarity’”.

🎓 Education & Skill Development: Empowering Ghana’s Youth

India will establish a Skill Development Centre in Ghana to provide vocational training in ICT, agriculture, and manufacturing15. Additional highlights:

• Over 400 fully funded education slots offered to Ghanaian students in 2025

• Signature Indian-backed institutions in Ghana include:

  • Kofi Annan Centre of Excellence in ICT

  • Foreign Policy Training Institute

  • Tema-Mpakadan Railway Line16

🌍 Cultural & Strategic Diplomacy: A Shared Global South Vision

Four MoUs were signed to institutionalize cooperation in:

• Traditional medicine education and research

• Cultural exchange programmes

• Standardization and certification

• Permanent Joint Commission for Diplomatic dialogue4

PM Modi was conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, which he dedicated to the youth of both nations.

📈 Trade & Investment: Doubling Bilateral Trade

India and Ghana aim to double bilateral trade within five years, building on:

• $3.1 billion in two-way trade (FY 2024–25)

• $2 billion in Indian investments across 900 Ghanaian projects10

• Collaboration in critical minerals, pharmaceuticals, and agro-processing

🧭 A Model for South-South Cooperation

This partnership is more than symbolic—it’s a blueprint for policy-driven, mutually beneficial development. From food sovereignty to fintech, and from healthcare to defence, India and Ghana are charting a course that reflects shared values, historical ties, and a commitment to inclusive growth.

As PM Modi declared in Parliament, “India is not just a partner; it stands as a co-traveller in Ghana’s journey toward nation-building”.