Indian Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi embarked on a historic three-day state visit to Ghana from July 2-3, 2025, marking the first official trip by an Indian Prime Minister to the West African nation in three decades. This high-level diplomatic engagement aimed to rekindle and strengthen the long-standing bilateral ties between India and Ghana across diplomatic, economic, and cultural spheres, elevating their relationship to a comprehensive partnership.

During his visit, Prime Minister Modi, accompanied by Ghana's Vice-President, Professor Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, paid homage to Ghana’s founding President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. The park, designed by Don Arthur, serves as the iconic final resting place of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah. The delegation, which included the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, and the Minister for Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, Abla Dzifa Gomashie, was welcomed by the acting Director, Edward Quao, who led a guided tour. Prime Minister Modi laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence at the bronze statue of Dr. Nkrumah, located at the spot where Ghana’s independence was declared on March 6, 1957. Another wreath was laid at the catafalque, the interment site for Dr. Nkrumah and Fathia. The visit underscored deep historical reflection and a renewed commitment to the bilateral friendship, with India’s tribute reflecting profound respect for Ghana’s history and reaffirming strong bonds of cooperation. Prime Minister Modi concluded this segment of his tour by signing the Visitors’ Book in the VVIP Lounge.

A central event of the visit was Prime Minister Modi's address to a special session of Ghana's Parliament on July 3, 2025, a significant moment as he became the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. Addressing Members of Parliament and distinguished guests, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the historical bonds between the two nations, forged through shared struggles for independence and a common commitment to democracy and inclusive development. He expressed gratitude for the National Honour conferred upon him by President John Dramani Mahama, viewing it as a symbol of enduring friendship. Modi likened the relationship between India and Ghana to being “sweeter than your famous sugar loaf pineapple,” emphasizing that both nations, shaped by painful histories of colonial rule, have built independent countries rooted in freedom, unity, and dignity, demonstrating free and fearless spirits.

Prime Minister Modi extensively discussed democratic principles, calling India the "mother of democracy" and illustrating its vibrant roots with statistics such as over 2,500 political parties, twenty different parties governing various states, and twenty-two official languages. He stressed that democracy thrives not just on institutions but also on the mindset and values of citizens, urging Ghanaians to cultivate good thoughts from all directions to foster and strengthen democratic values. He asserted that a country’s development requires more than just political slogans, demanding the dedication and efforts of its citizens to strengthen the economy and build a prosperous future. He lauded Ghana’s unwavering commitment to democracy and inclusive development, describing it as a “beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” praising its courage, resilience, and ability to transform challenges into creativity and grace.

Addressing the challenges of the current global system, Prime Minister Modi noted that the world order established after World War II is rapidly changing and institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond to new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cyber security. He underlined the necessity for credible and effective reforms in global governance, stressing that progress cannot occur without giving a stronger voice to the Global South. In this context, he highlighted the significant achievement of the African Union’s inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency, emphasizing the need for action beyond mere slogans.

Economically, Prime Minister Modi outlined India's plans for deeper engagement with Africa, aiming for a stronger economic presence on the continent. He highlighted India’s expanding diplomatic, development, and business footprint, noting over 200 projects across Africa that enhance connectivity, infrastructure, and industrial capacity, including a major rail project in West Africa financed by the India Export-Import Bank. He also welcomed the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society. Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047 and reiterated that India stands as a committed partner in Africa’s development journey. Discussions with President John Dramani Mahama also led to an an agreement to deepen security and mining ties.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to Ghana was the first stop in a multi-country tour that would also take him to other nations in Africa, the Caribbean, and South America, including Brazil for a BRICS summit. This historic visit is anticipated to significantly revitalize and strengthen the extensive Ghana-India relations across all sectors, marking a new chapter of enhanced cooperation and mutual respect between the two nations.