India to Support Ghana with ‘Affordable and Reliable Healthcare’ Through Jan Aushadhi Kendras: PM Modi

Accra — Prime Minister Narendra Modi, while addressing a joint press conference with Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama on Wednesday, announced India’s commitment to providing “affordable and reliable healthcare” to the people of Ghana through Jan Aushadhi Kendras.

The two leaders also discussed strengthening cooperation in vaccine production.

“Through Jan Aushadhi Kendras, India intends to provide Ghana’s citizens with affordable and reliable healthcare. We also explored collaboration in vaccine production,” the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on X.

PM Modi described his talks with President Mahama as highly productive, announcing that India and Ghana have elevated their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership, aimed at enhancing benefits for both nations.

“We explored ways to deepen trade and economic ties. Areas like FinTech, skill development, healthcare, and more were discussed,” PM Modi posted on X.

He added that both nations see significant potential for cooperation in critical minerals, defence, maritime security, and energy. Cultural exchanges were also a key point of discussion.

“We appreciate Ghana’s support in the global fight against terrorism. Both sides agreed to further strengthen cooperation in counter-terrorism. Our views on UN reforms are also aligned,” PMO posted.

PM Modi also highlighted India’s role in securing permanent G20 membership for the African Union during its G20 presidency.

“In defence and security, we will advance with the principle of ‘Security through Solidarity’. Our cooperation will expand in military training, maritime security, defence supplies, and cyber security,” PMO stated.

The Prime Minister also announced plans to double the number of ITEC and ICCR scholarships offered to Ghanaian students and to establish a Skill Development Centre to promote vocational education for the youth.

“In agriculture, India is ready to collaborate in President Mahama’s ‘Feed Ghana’ initiative,” PM Modi added.

Reflecting on the shared history between India and Ghana, PM Modi said, “Our friendship is built on shared values, struggles, and dreams for an inclusive future. Both nations inspired others through their freedom movements. Today, Ghana stands as a vibrant democracy and a beacon of hope in West Africa.”

PM Modi expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he received, saying, “It was a great honour for me that President Mahama personally came to receive me at the airport.”

The discussions between PM Modi and President Mahama took place at the iconic Jubilee House in Accra. Both leaders reaffirmed the strong and historic ties between India and Ghana and discussed expanding cooperation in trade, investment, digital technology, defence, agriculture, pharma, mining, infrastructure, and people-to-people connections.

They also reiterated their shared commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation, Global South solidarity, and sustainable development for global peace.

In a significant gesture, President Mahama conferred upon PM Modi Ghana’s highest civilian honour — The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana. PM Modi dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and the deep-rooted India-Ghana partnership.

“It is a fitting recognition of PM Modi’s efforts to strengthen the voice of the Global South and deepen India-Ghana ties,” External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said on X.

With inputs from IANS