In a significant moment for India-Ghana relations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was awarded Ghana’s highest civilian honour, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, during his state visit to the West African nation. This prestigious recognition marks a new chapter in the long-standing friendship between the two democracies.

The Government of Ghana bestowed the honour on Modi for his “visionary leadership, global influence, and commitment to strengthening international cooperation.” The award ceremony was held in Accra, making Modi the first Indian prime minister in three decades to visit Ghana.

Accepting the honour, Modi described the moment as “deeply humbling,” dedicating the award to the people of India. “This is not just a personal honour—it reflects the shared dreams of 140 crore Indians and the warm relationship between India and Ghana,” he said. He added that the distinction represents a “responsibility to further deepen the partnership between our nations.”

Modi also expressed gratitude to Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo and the people of Ghana, calling the award a “testament to our common democratic values and mutual respect.” In his speech, he emphasized the rich cultural heritage both countries share and pledged India’s continued support as a reliable development partner.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) highlighted that the award recognizes Modi’s role in enhancing India’s global stature and his contributions to fostering South-South cooperation.

During his visit, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Ghanaian leadership, including President Akufo-Addo and former President John Mahama. Both nations agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership level, opening doors for deeper collaboration in trade, education, health, and digital innovation.

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal called the honour “a testament to the enduring friendship between the people of India and Ghana.”