…calls for global governance reforms
By Kizito CUDJOE & Juliet ETEFE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday expressed India’s commitment to strengthening economic and strategic ties with Ghana, citing shared post-colonial histories and the need for renewed cooperation amid shifting global dynamics.
“India is ready to elevate its ties with Ghana to a comprehensive partnership,” Modi said in an address to Parliament during a two-day working visit to Ghana as part of a five-nation tour.
He acknowledged similarities in both countries’ post-independence development paths and said India aims to deepen collaboration across sectors.
The Indian Prime Minister also addressed broader international issues, noting that the global order established after the Second World War is undergoing rapid transformation. He said technological change, demographic shifts and the Global South’s rise are contributing to its scale and pace.
He pointed out that challenges, such as colonial rule, that existed in earlier centuries persist in different forms, contributing to ongoing inequity in global systems. In addition, he warned that global challenges ranging from climate change and pandemics to terrorism and cybersecurity are exposing the limitations of institutions designed in the last century.
It is in the light of these developments that he said: “The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We need more than slogans”.
Prime Minister Modi, for instance, stated that India’s G20 presidency prioritised Africa’s inclusiveness at the global level – leading to the AU becoming a permanent G20 member.
He mentioned India’s growing global contribution to the rest of the world, citing its vaccine support during the COVID-19 era and contribution to addressing climate change and sustainability efforts, among others.
His visit to Ghana is part of broader efforts to enhance South-South cooperation and position India as a key partner for African countries in trade, infrastructure, health and technology.
Already, India and Ghana have committed to deepening bilateral relations with a particular focus on trade, investment, pharmaceuticals, agriculture and digital infrastructure, according to Dammu Ravi, Secretary (Economic Relations) at India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).
Addressing journalists in Accra following high-level talks between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, Mr. Ravi described the visit as “timely and strategic”, coming at a moment when Ghana is rebounding economically and seeking deeper global partnerships.
“Both leaders set an ambitious target of increasing bilateral trade from the current US$3billion to US$6billion over the next five years,” he said, adding that India is already among Ghana’s largest investors with over US$2billion in investments.
Mr. Ravi indicated that India’s investment footprint in Ghana includes roughly 900 active Indian companies, though current investments remain modest. “India’s concessional finance lines and grants also contribute significantly to Ghana’s economy,” he noted.
He added that India and Ghana signed four key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) during the visit, establishing a Joint commission and cooperation in traditional medicine, a cultural exchange programme and an agreement on standards.
“These MoUs provide strong frameworks to deepen economic engagement and facilitate more structured collaboration in trade, health and culture,” he said.
He said both countries see potential in expanding trade in pharmaceuticals, renewable energy and agriculture.
Pharma, food security and manufacturing
He noted that President Mahama sought India’s support to position Ghana as a food basket in the sub-region, an idea Prime Minister Modi welcomed.
“The Ghanaian side also showed strong interest in hosting vaccine and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities and India is ready to support with its world-class pharma capabilities,” Mr. Ravi said.
He explained that some collaboration is already underway with global vaccine players and that Indian entrepreneurs are being encouraged to invest in Ghana’s local production.
Critical minerals
In addition, the country’s rich deposits of critical minerals – including unexplored resources – offer another area for collaboration.
“President Mahama invited India to bring its mining expertise and entrepreneurship to support sustainable exploration and value addition in Ghana,” he said.
Defence
Mr. Ravi also addressed growing security concerns stemming from instability in the Sahel region and coastal piracy.
He confirmed that India is already training Ghanaian defence personnel and is open to expanding support through equipment sourcing and counter-terrorism collaboration.
“Terrorism is a global challenge and India stands ready to work with Ghana in protecting its sovereignty and regional stability,” he affirmed.
24-hour economy
Mr. Ravi also acknowledged Ghana’s 24-hour economy policy and said both leaders discussed practical models.
He cited India’s experience of introducing shift-based operations in the health and education sectors as a possible reference point for Ghana.
“These exchanges offer valuable learning for both sides and could guide future collaborations,” he noted.
BRICS
Responding to Ghana’s interest in joining BRICS, Mr. Ravi explained that expansion is a consensus-based process but affirmed India’s readiness to support Ghana’s aspirations in future rounds.
