• Source:JND
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Prime Minister Narendra Modi received an enthusiastic welcome in Accra, Ghana on Wednesday, marking the beginning of his two-day official visit to the West African nation. This visit is historic, as it is not only PM Modi's first bilateral trip to Ghana but also the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades. Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama personally welcomed PM Modi at Kotoka International Airport. A ceremonial Guard of Honour and a 21-gun salute were presented as the two leaders exchanged greetings and held a brief interaction at the Jubilee Lounge of the airport.

PM Modi acknowledged the warm reception with a tweet, "Landed in Accra, Ghana. I’m honoured by the special gesture of President John Dramani Mahama for welcoming me at the airport. Our nations look forward to working together to strengthen our long-standing relationship and explore fresh avenues for collaboration."

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Significance Of Visit

Ghana holds strategic importance in India’s outreach to the Global South, and the visit is seen as a step to reinforce bilateral ties, particularly in sectors such as trade, health, energy, and capacity-building. Ghana is also a key member of the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Warm Welcome From Indian Diaspora

Soon after arriving in Accra, PM Modi headed to a hotel where a large gathering of the Indian diaspora was eagerly waiting. Hundreds of community members and local supporters stood in long queues for hours, waving Indian flags and carrying placards that read “Welcome Modi Ji” and “Bharat-Ghana Friendship Zindabad”.

The crowd erupted in chants of “Modi-Modi,” “Bharat Mata Ki Jai,” and “Vande Mataram” as PM Modi arrived. Children were seen singing devotional songs like “Hare Rama Hare Krishna,” adding a spiritual touch to the welcoming ceremony.

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Manoj Kapoor, a member of the Indian community in Accra, shared his enthusiasm, stating, “We are all eagerly waiting for PM Modi. He is a tall global leader. Everyone really likes him. People of Ghana are also excited. He is well-respected here.”

PM Modi's visit to Ghana is part of a five-nation tour aimed at deepening India’s engagement with African countries. The trip is expected to boost economic cooperation, enhance cultural ties, and explore new collaborations in education and technology.