By Patrick Biddah
Ghana is poised to take a significant leap in healthcare innovation as it prepares to sign a landmark agreement with India to establish a vaccine manufacturing hub in the country.
The announcement was made during a media briefing by the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, ahead of the historic two-day state visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, scheduled from July 2 to July 3, 2025.
According to Hon. Ablakwa, the vaccine production agreement will be among several key Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to be signed during bilateral talks between the two governments.
India has pledged full technical and financial support for the project, which aims to make Ghana a central hub for vaccine production in West Africa.
“This is a defining moment in our bilateral relations and reflects India’s trust in Ghana’s capabilities,” the Minister stated. “The vaccine hub will not only improve public health security in Ghana but also contribute significantly to the continent’s self-reliance in pharmaceutical production.”
Prime Minister Modi’s visit is the first by an Indian Prime Minister in three decades, the last having taken place in 1995.
The Ghanaian government has elevated the occasion to a full state visit, complete with military honours, a state banquet, and the conferral of Ghana’s highest national award—the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
Modi is expected to arrive at the Jubilee Lounge in Accra on July 2, where he will be received by President John Dramani Mahama. Following a ceremonial welcome, the two leaders will engage in one-on-one talks, followed by expanded bilateral discussions involving ministers and senior officials from both countries.
In addition to the vaccine hub agreement, other MoUs to be signed will cover agricultural cooperation, defence collaboration, cultural exchanges, and the formation of a Joint Commission to manage bilateral initiatives.
Ablakwa also disclosed that India will partner with Ghana on Traditional and Alternative Medicine.
The state banquet on July 2 will see Prime Minister Modi conferred with the Companion of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
According to the Minister, fewer than 20 world leaders have ever received this honour, reflecting the depth of ties between the two countries.
“The conferral of this award is a testament to the decades of enduring cooperation between Ghana and India.
India has proven to be a trusted friend,” Ablakwa said, citing past support such as India’s funding of Ghana’s Foreign Service Institute and the reconstruction of the seat of government.
On July 3, the Indian leader will visit the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park to pay tribute to Ghana’s founding father and symbol of Pan-African unity.
He will then address Ghana’s Parliament, an honour reserved for only a select few foreign dignitaries.
His address is expected to highlight democratic values, global cooperation, and shared aspirations between the two nations.
Prime Minister Modi will also meet with Ghana’s Indian business community and diaspora.
Ablakwa praised the Indian private sector’s role in Ghana’s development, particularly in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, energy, and ICT.
India and Ghana’s relationship dates back decades. India opened a consulate in Ghana in 1953, even before the West African nation attained independence in 1957. The partnership between Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and President Kwame Nkrumah laid the foundation for cooperation that has spanned diplomacy, education, trade, and development.
“Bilateral trade currently stands at approximately $3 billion, with Ghana enjoying a positive trade balance, largely due to gold exports. India has extended over $450 million in credit lines to Ghana, supporting infrastructure projects such as the Kofi Annan ICT Centre, the Komenda Sugar Factory, and the Elmina Fish Processing Plant”, the Minister said .
