Ghana Confers National Honour on PM Modi During State Visit
Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with 'The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana', the country's national honour, by President John Dramani Mahama in Accra. The award recognizes Modi's statesmanship and global leadership. During the visit, the first by an Indian PM in three decades, the two nations elevated their ties to a 'comprehensive partnership' and signed several MoUs to enhance cooperation in culture and standards certification. The visit underscores India's strengthening diplomatic engagement with African nations.
Unpacked:
The 'Order of the Star of Ghana' is one of the country's highest civilian honors, awarded to individuals who have made significant contributions to Ghana or its international relations. By bestowing it on Prime Minister Modi, Ghana acknowledged his role in strengthening bilateral ties and promoting global cooperation.
Prime Minister Modi's visit was the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, marking a renewed commitment to India-Ghana relations. Such high-level visits are considered pivotal for enhancing diplomatic and economic cooperation between the two nations.
India and Ghana have shared strong diplomatic relations since Ghana's independence in 1957. India opened its consulate in Accra in 1953 and was among the first to establish full diplomatic ties post-independence. Both countries are members of the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement, and have a history of mutual support.
During Modi’s visit, India and Ghana signed several Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at cooperation in areas such as culture and standards certification. These agreements are designed to boost people-to-people contacts, encourage trade, and harmonize technical standards between the two countries.