Why in News?
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s state visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian PM in over 30 years, marked a historic milestone in India-Africa relations. During the visit, he was conferred Ghana’s highest civilian honour – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
Key Terms & Concepts
| Term | Description |
|---|---|
| Volta River & Lake Volta | One of the world’s largest artificial lakes, located in Ghana. |
| Order of the Star of Ghana | Ghana’s highest civilian award. |
| UPI (Unified Payments Interface) | India’s real-time digital payment system offered as a digital public good. |
| Comprehensive Partnership | An upgraded level of bilateral engagement covering strategic, economic, and people-to-people ties. |
Details of the Visit
- Bilateral Upgrade: India and Ghana upgraded ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
- Digital Cooperation: India offered to share expertise in UPI and digital infrastructure.
- Voice for Global South: India reaffirmed its leadership and thanked Ghana for its support.
Key MoUs Signed
| MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Cultural Exchange | Promotes art, heritage, and cultural understanding. |
| BIS–GSA Agreement | Enhances cooperation in standards and certifications. |
| Ayurveda & Traditional Medicine | Collaboration in research and training. |
| Joint Commission | Institutionalises regular high-level dialogues. |
How India-Ghana Relations Have Evolved
| Domain | Key Milestones |
|---|---|
| Diplomatic Ties | India recognised Ghana in 1957 and opened an embassy in Accra. |
| Global Platforms | Shared commitment to NAM and South-South cooperation. |
| Economic | Bilateral trade: USD 3+ billion (2024–25); India exports pharma, Ghana exports gold. |
| Development | India gave USD 450+ million in LoCs for railways, electrification, etc. |
| Education & ICT | Ghana-India Kofi Annan Centre; over 1,100 trained under ITEC; e-VBAB scholarships. |
India-Africa Relations Overview
| Domain | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Trade & Investment | USD 100 billion trade; USD 75 billion investment by India. |
| Development Aid | USD 12+ billion in concessional loans for 200+ projects. |
| Strategic Ties | Indian Ocean cooperation, naval base in Mauritius, defence summits. |
| Green Energy & Minerals | Africa is a key supplier for India’s energy needs and green transition. |
| Cultural Ties | Shared colonial histories, diaspora connections, and Gandhian legacy. |
In a Nutshell
Memory Code: “DIGIT-AFRICA”
Digital UPI
Infrastructure Projects
Global South Voice
ITEC & Scholarships
Traditional Medicine
Award to PM
Fintech Growth
Rail Links (Tema–Mpakadan)
Investment & Trade
Cultural MoUs
Africa-India Future
Prelims Practice Questions
- Which of the following West African countries shares a border with Ghana?
A. Nigeria
B. Togo
C. Kenya
D. Ethiopia - The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana is awarded to:
A. Only Ghanaians
B. African Union members
C. Citizens of Ghana and foreign dignitaries
D. Only government officials - Lake Volta, one of the world’s largest artificial lakes, is located in:
A. Ethiopia
B. Ghana
C. Sudan
D. Tanzania
Mains Practice Questions
- Evaluate the growing significance of India’s engagement with Africa, with a focus on West Africa and Ghana. (GS – 3)
- Discuss the role of digital diplomacy in shaping India-Africa relations in the 21st century. (GS – 3)
Answers – Prelims Table
| Q No. | Answer | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | B | Togo lies east of Ghana; Nigeria borders Togo, not Ghana. |
| 2 | C | The honour is Ghana’s highest civilian award and can be conferred on foreigners. |
| 3 | B | Lake Volta is in Ghana and was created by the Akosombo Dam on the Volta River. |
