India-Africa cooperation strengthened during Modi’s Ghana visit

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent trip to Ghana - the first prime ministerial visit to Ghana in the last three decades - marked diplomacy, culture, commerce, and shared values and was a recalibration of India’s Africa policy through the lens of one of West Africa’s most influential democracies.

Modi’s visit to Ghana and bilateral discussion with its President John Mahama was part of a five-nation visit that included Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

Ghana and India’s relationship goes back more than half a century to when India helped the newly independent Ghana set up its intelligence agencies and Ghana is also home to several large Indian-owned manufacturing and trading companies and an Indian community of more than 15,000. 

Ghana is one of the fastest growing economies in West Africa, and India is among the country’s top trading partners. India is also the largest destination for Ghanaian exports, driven largely by imports of gold, which accounts for more than 70% of total imports from Ghana. 

India also imports primary products like minerals, while exporting manufactured products such as pharmaceuticals, transport and agricultural machinery In 2024/25, two-way trade reached $3.1 billion, with India’s exports amounting to $1.34 billion.

The Ghana-India Trade Advisory Chamber was established in 2018 for socio-economic exchange and south-south cooperation has fuelled India-Ghana relations. Modi’s diplomatic efforts since 2014 have sought to relaunch India’s presence in Africa.

Modi and Mahama’s bilateral trade and relations discussions led to the signing of several agreements (MoUs) in the field of energy, agriculture and digital technology and developing vaccine hubs.

Under the theme “Security through Stability,” the bilateral discussions covered areas such as maritime security, cyber security, and defence supplies.

There were also talks about bringing India's Unified Payment Interface (UPI) and digital payment system to Ghana, so that digital transactions can be made easier in both countries. Modi offered to share India’s expertise with the UPI digital payments system with Ghana and to provide affordable healthcare.

Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award — the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on July 2 and a day Modi later addressed the Ghanaian parliament, saying he was deeply honoured to address the house and it was a privilege to be in a country that radiates the spirit of democracy.

"When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that stands with courage — one that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to inclusive progress has truly made Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent." Modi said.

He also paid tribute to former Ghana President Khwame Nkrumah.

"Earlier today, I had the honour of paying tribute to our visionary and statesman and the beloved son of Ghana, Dr Kwame Nkrumah. He once said that the forces that unite us are greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart. His words continue to guide our shared journey."

Modi said that together with President Mahama, both countries have agreed to elevate their relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

“Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South...We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our presidency," he added.

'India will soon become the third-largest economy in the world. We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demographic dividend is paying off, driving a vibrant and dynamic economy, Modi said.

India and Ghana are also set to improve their cooperation in defence.“In defence and security, we will move forward with the mantra of ‘security through stability’. 

Cooperation will be extended in training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supplies and cyber security,” Mahama said.

He said Ghana is keen to sign formal agreements with India on defence cooperation, vaccine production and supply of agricultural machinery. “Both countries will work to deepen economic and investment relations at a time that Ghana is undergoing economic restructuring due to the debt treatments we’re undergoing in the IMF programme,” he said.

Mahama also explored defence cooperation in the context of Ghana’s concerns related to terrorism from the Sahel region and piracy in nearby seas. 

“There is clear interest to have India’s support in terms of support of the equipment, training of personnel and to be able to source equipment from India,” he said.

“There was also concern for the way terrorism is affecting the world.” 

Modi's visit to Ghana, the headquarters of the AfCFTA, may open new opportunities for Indian exporters.

It may also be the first step towards a partnership fulfilling India's energy and mineral needs with Indian companies also cooperating in the exploration and mining of critical minerals, Modi said.

The Indian Prime Minister said that Indian companies shall cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals.

Indian companies have invested in over 700 projects in Ghana, which include B5 Plus, a leading iron and steel manufacturer, and Melcom, Ghana’s largest supermarket chain

.India is also one of the leading sources of foreign direct investment to Ghana and by elevating their bilateral ties to a "comprehensive partnership", will only serve to strengthen both countries' shared beliefs, struggles, and a shared dream for an inclusive future.

* Dr Govender is an academic and a keen observer of issues related to international relations.

* The views expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of IOL or Independent Media.