PM Modi begins historic Ghana visit today, first by an Indian prime minister in 30 years

The visit is part of PM Modi’s broader five-nation tour that includes stops in Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia, with Ghana as the first destination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Wednesday, will embark on a two-day landmark visit to Ghana, marking the first trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in over three decades.

The visit is part of PM Modi’s broader five-nation tour that includes stops in Argentina, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia, with Ghana as the first destination.

Speaking ahead of the Prime Minister's visit, Indian High Commissioner to Ghana Manish Gupta called it a “historic moment” that would significantly deepen India-Ghana relations.

“We are privileged that Prime Minister Modi is visiting Ghana. This is the first such visit in three decades and reflects our deep-rooted bilateral ties and shared historical legacy,” noted Gupta during an interaction with ANI.

Notably, PM Modi will be accorded full ceremonial honours upon arrival and is scheduled to hold a one-on-one meeting with Ghanaian President John Mahama, followed by delegation-level talks. A state banquet will be hosted in his honour.

Later in the day, he is also expected to engage with the Indian diaspora and visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to pay tribute to Ghana’s founding father.

One of the key highlights of the visit will be PM Modi’s address to the Ghanaian Parliamen, marking the first ever by an Indian Prime Minister. The historic speech is expected to reinforce India’s commitment to engaging with African nations as part of its Global South strategy.

PM Modi's visit will focus on expanding cooperation in priority sectors, such as energy, defence, trade, infrastructure, and digital public infrastructure. It is also seen as a step toward bolstering India's engagement with regional organisations like ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) and the African Union.

India’s development partnership with Ghana will be a central theme of the talks.

According to Gupta, India has invested nearly $2 billion in Ghana through private businesses and another $1 billion via government grants and concessional credit lines. Signature infrastructure projects like Ghana’s presidential residence, Jubilee House, are part of this cooperation.

“India is taking the lead in representing the Global South, with a focus on inclusive and human-centric development,” Gupta noted. “PM Modi’s visit is expected to build upon this vision.”

Following his engagements in Ghana, PM Modi will continue his diplomatic tour with visits to Argentina, Brazil (where he will attend the BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro on July 5-6), Trinidad and Tobago, and Namibia, aiming to further cement India’s growing ties with the Global South.