In a significant diplomatic moment, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest national honour, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership.”
The prestigious award was presented by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama during Modi’s historic state visit — the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades.
“This honour is not just for me; it belongs to the 140 crore people of India,” said PM Modi in his acceptance speech. He dedicated the award to the youth of both India and Ghana, and highlighted the deep-rooted cultural and historical ties between the two nations.
The award, according to India’s Ministry of External Affairs, is a testament to Prime Minister Modi’s leadership in strengthening India-Ghana bilateral relations and fostering shared democratic values. The prime minister said it adds a renewed responsibility to deepen the strategic and development partnership between the two countries.
“I assure the people of Ghana that India will always remain a trusted friend and development partner,” Modi stated in a message on X (formerly Twitter), thanking the government and people of Ghana for the gesture.
During the visit, Modi held wide-ranging discussions with President Mahama, following which both sides agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, focusing on trade, technology, culture, defence, and global cooperation.
This visit marks the first leg of Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour aimed at expanding India’s engagement with key partners across Africa and beyond.