Ghana will enhance relations with India — President Mahama

President John Dramani Mahama has flagged Ghana's desire to forge a more ambitious partnership with India that will open fresh oportunities for the two countries. 

Proposing the toast at a state dinner in honour of the Indian President, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, at the Banquet Hall of the Flagstaff House last Sunday, the President said, " Through your visit, we in Ghana believe we can do even more better, promoting especially trade and economic partnerships that provide job opportunities for our people."

Tracing the history of the bilateral relations with India, which predates Ghana's independence, President Mahama said the relations had focused on agro-processing, fish processing, rural electrification, Information and Communication Technology among other sectors. 

In general, he recognised the significant role India had played in Ghana's development. 

History

President Mahama mentioned that the principles of  Mahatma Gandhi influenced Ghana's struggle for independence. 

"The campaign for positive defiance outlined by our first president was directly influenced by Gandhi.

"But, perhaps the greatest fillip  to Ghana-India relations occured due to the great personal friendship and respect that existed between Dr Nkrumah and Prime Minister Jawarhalal Nehru, " President Mahama said. 

He said the two leaders championed the liberation of oppressed people around the world.

President Mahama lauded the positive role the significant Indian population in Ghana is playing in the development of the nation. 

President Mukherjee also spoke strongly on the relations between his country and Ghana, saying "the India-Ghana brotherhood is anchored on our similar experiences."

He added that the goodwill between the peoples of India and Ghana transcended the geographical distance between the two countries.

Ghana's success 

President Mukherjee expressed delight that Ghana was the first sub-Saharan Africa country to successfully halve poverty, a development that contributed in driving the country to become a lower middle income country.

While saying some kind words about President Mahama , the visiting President said," I have no doubt that your dynamic government has already set itself new goals for attaining greater heights of progress and prosperity for your people. "

He also commended Ghana for its great strides in democratic governance. 

The Indian President pledged India's continued cooperation with Ghana, adding that Indian businesses would be happy to invest in Ghana as long as the right opportunities were in place.

Africa

On the wider Africa, President Mukherjee said his country had  special relations with the continent.

He mentioned the last India-Africa Forum Summit ( IAFS) in New Delhi in 2015 as one event that built on the already strong relations.

The IAFS  witnessed the participation of 54 African nations including Ghana and 40 heads of the African states. 

The meeting gave opportunity for India and Africa to widen and deepen their partnership at the bilateral, as well as continental levels.