India and Ghana Sign 2 MoUs to Strengthen Cooperation in Science, Education and Agriculture

India and Ghana have exchanged two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) to deepen cooperation in scientific research, academics, capacity building, agricultural research and education.

The agreements were exchanged during External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar’s visit to Ghana, reflecting efforts by both countries to strengthen their South-South cooperation and expand the India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership.

Two MoUs Exchanged Between India and Ghana

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar witnessed the exchange of the agreements with Ghana’s Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa.

The two MoUs cover cooperation between:

1. Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) and the University of Ghana
   • Academic cooperation
   • Scientific research
   • Capacity building
2. Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and Ghana’s CSIR-Crops Research Institute
   • Agricultural research
   • Education
   • Knowledge sharing and capacity building

These agreements aim to strengthen institutional collaboration between India and Ghana in research and education.

India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership

The exchange of MoUs followed discussions between Dr. Jaishankar and Ghana’s Foreign Minister on strengthening the India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership.

The two sides discussed cooperation across several sectors, including:

• Trade
• Investment
• Development cooperation
• Pharmaceuticals
• Capacity building
• Defence
• Technology
• Education
• Agriculture
• People-to-people relations

The discussions also focused on expanding bilateral engagement beyond traditional economic cooperation.

Focus on South-South Cooperation

India and Ghana are also seeking to deepen South-South cooperation, which refers to collaboration among developing countries in areas such as technology, capacity building, development and knowledge sharing.

India has increasingly worked with African countries through:

• Training programmes
• Development projects
• Digital technology
• Healthcare
• Education
• Agriculture
• Infrastructure
• Capacity building

The new agreements with Ghana further strengthen this cooperation.

Cooperation with African Union and ECOWAS

The two foreign ministers also discussed ways to strengthen multilateral cooperation.

Particular focus was placed on India’s engagement with:

• African Union (AU)
• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

ECOWAS is a regional organisation of West African countries aimed at promoting economic integration and cooperation.

Ghana is an important member of the West African region and plays a significant role in regional diplomacy.

Jaishankar Meets Ghanaian President

During his visit, Dr. S. Jaishankar also met Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.

The meeting provided an opportunity to review India-Ghana relations and discuss ways to strengthen cooperation across strategic and economic sectors.

Jaishankar on Three-Nation Africa Visit

The External Affairs Minister is on a three-nation visit to Africa, covering:

• Ghana
• Côte d’Ivoire
• Ethiopia

The visit is scheduled to continue until 10 October 2026.

During the tour, Dr. Jaishankar is expected to hold bilateral meetings with his counterparts and meet senior political leadership in all three countries.

The objective is to review existing relations and identify new areas for cooperation.

Why Ghana is Important for India

Ghana is an important partner for India in West Africa.

India-Ghana cooperation includes areas such as:

• Trade and investment
• Pharmaceuticals
• Agriculture
• Education
• Digital technology
• Capacity building
• Infrastructure
• Defence cooperation

The latest MoUs indicate growing emphasis on institutional partnerships in research and higher education.