- PM Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honor during his visit.
- The Prime Minister dedicated the honor to the youth of both nations.
- India and Ghana agreed to a new Comprehensive Partnership agreement.
- Key areas of cooperation include defense, security, and agriculture.
- Modi announced plans to double trade with Ghana in the coming years.
PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest honor in historic visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently been honored with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the nation’s most esteemed civilian award. This recognition was bestowed upon him by President John Mahama during a ceremony that took place on Wednesday, local time. Modi expressed his heartfelt thanks to President Mahama, remarking that this honor is a tremendous sense of pride for him and, importantly, for the 1.4 billion citizens of India, which he represents. He stated, “It is a matter of immense pride and honor for me to be conferred with Ghana’s highest honour.”
Strengthening India-Ghana cooperation in various sectors
The Prime Minister also dedicated the accolade to the youth of both nations, indicating that he views this recognition not just as a personal achievement but as a commitment to the aspirations and bright futures of young people worldwide. Modi articulated, “I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions, and the historic ties between India and Ghana.” This visit marks a significant moment as it is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades, a situation that underscores the evolving relationship between the two countries. During this historic visit, Prime Minister Modi engaged in discussions with President Mahama, agreeing to elevate diplomatic ties to a level termed as a “Comprehensive Partnership.”
Economic collaboration and future commitments between nations
A key outcome of their talks includes a pledge to enhance cooperation in defense and security, focusing on the principle of “Security through Solidarity.” Modi elaborated on this commitment, sharing that collaboration would be targeted in pivotal areas like armed forces training, maritime security, and cybersecurity, thereby bringing the nations closer together. Furthermore, as part of the new partnership, India has pledged to establish a Skill Development Center for vocational training and support Ghana’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative, which aims to bolster the nation’s agricultural sector. Modi added, “Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana,” underpinning the educational collaboration between the two countries and emphasizing mutual growth and development.
In summary, Prime Minister Modi’s visit to Ghana not only marks a historic moment as it is the first by an Indian PM in over thirty years but also initiates a new chapter in India-Ghana relations. The recognition received epitomizes the strengthening of ties, as both nations commit to educational, agricultural, and security collaborations. By pledging to double trade and enhance cooperation in various sectors, these discussions highlight an optimistic future for the partnership between India and Ghana.
