Press Information Bureau

Your Excellency President John Mahama,
Delegates from both countries
Friends from the media,

Namaskar!

After a long gap of three decades, an Indian Prime Minister is visiting Ghana.

It is a matter of great pride for me to have got this opportunity.

"अय्य मे अनेजे से मेवोहा”

I am deeply grateful for the warmth and respect with which we have been welcomed in Ghana.

It is a matter of great honour for me that the President himself came to the airport to receive me.

President Mahama was elected as the President for the second time in the general elections of December 2024. I once again congratulate him on his glorious victory.

This victory symbolises the deep confidence that the people of Ghana have in his vision and leadership.

Friends,

At the heart of the friendship between India and Ghana lie our shared beliefs, struggles, and a shared dream for an inclusive future.

The freedom struggle of our countries has inspired many others.

Even today, Ghana’s vibrant democracy serves as a "Beacon of Hope” in West Africa.

Today, the President and I have decided to elevate our bilateral relationship into a "Comprehensive Partnership”.

In Ghana’s journey of nation building, India is not just a supporter, but also a fellow traveller.

The Grand Jubilee House, the Foreign Services Institute, Komenda Sugar Factory, India-Ghana Kofi Annan ICT Centre, and the Tema Mpakadan Railway Line - they’re not just bricks and mortar, but a symbol of our partnership.

Our bilateral trade has crossed USD 3 billion.

Indian companies have invested approximately USD 2 billion across approximately 900 projects.

Today, we’ve set a target to double our bilateral trade over the next five years.

In the area of FinTech, India is ready to share its experience of the UPI Digital Payment with Ghana.

Friends,

Development Partnership is a key pillar of our partnership.

We assure India’s complete support and cooperation towards President Mahama’s efforts of ‘economic restructuring’.

Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana.

Work will be initiated to establish a Skill Development Centre for the vocational education of the youth.

In the area of agriculture, it will be our pleasure to lend support towards President Mahama’s "Feed Ghana” program.

India is proposing to provide affordable healthcare and reliable care to the citizens of Ghana through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

We’ve discussed cooperation in vaccine production.

In the area of Defence and Security, we will move forward with the mantra of "Security through Stability”

Cooperation will be extended in areas such as training of Armed Forces, Maritime Security, Defence Supplies and Cyber Security.

Indian companies shall cooperate in the exploration and mining of critical minerals.

India and Ghana are already cooperating on platforms like the International Solar Alliance and Coalition for Disaster Resilient Infrastructure.

To support and promote Ghana’s efforts in renewable energy, especially in clean cooking gas, we have invited them into the Global Biofuels Alliance.

Friends,

We’re both members of the Global South, and are fully committed towards its priorities.

We thank Ghana for their active participation in the Voice of Global South Summit.

It’s a matter of pride for India that the African Union received its permanent membership in the G20 during our G20 presidency.

We also held discussions on regional and international issues, including the Sahel region. We are united in our view that terrorism is the enemy of humanity.

We express our sincere gratitude to Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism.

In this context, we have decided to further strengthen our cooperation in counter-terrorism efforts. Our perspectives on UN reforms are also closely aligned.

We both have expressed deep concern over the ongoing conflicts in West Asia and Europe. We firmly believe that this is not an era of war.

Issues must be resolved through dialogue and diplomacy.

Friends,

The Indian community in Ghana represents a vital link in our people-to-people relations.

For many years, Indian teachers, doctors, and engineers have been serving in Ghana.

The Indian community is also making a positive contribution to Ghana's economic and social progress. I’m looking forward to meeting with members of the Indian community tomorrow.

Hon’ble President,

You’re a close friend to India. You’re well acquainted with India.

I warmly invite you to visit India. I trust that you will provide us the opportunity to welcome you.

Once again, I express my immense gratitude to you, the government and the people of Ghana for your warm hospitality.

Thank you very much.

DISCLAIMER - This is the approximate translation of Prime Minister's remarks. Original remarks were delivered in Hindi.

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MJPS/ST