India’s Jan Aushadhi Kendras to Support Ghana with Affordable Healthcare: PM Modi

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Ghana, announced that India will support Ghana in providing affordable and reliable healthcare through Jan Aushadhi Kendras. Speaking at a joint press conference with President John Dramani Mahama, PM Modi also discussed deeper cooperation in vaccine production and other critical sectors.

"Through the Jan Aushadhi Kendra, India proposes to provide Ghana's citizens with 'Affordable healthcare, reliable care.' We discussed collaboration in Vaccine Production: PM @narendramodi," the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) posted on X.

The two leaders held wide-ranging talks at the Jubilee House in Accra, where they decided to upgrade the bilateral relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership. "The talks with President John Dramani Mahama were extremely fruitful. We have elevated our ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, which will be beneficial for the people of our nations. We discussed ways to improve trade and economic linkages. Cooperation in FinTech, skill development, healthcare and other such sectors were also deliberated upon. @JDMahama," PM Modi said on X.

Prime Minister Modi also noted the potential for India and Ghana to collaborate in areas such as critical minerals, defence, maritime security, and energy. "India and Ghana also see immense scope in working closely in areas such as critical minerals, defence, maritime security and energy. Enhancing cultural linkages was also talked about," he said.

In the area of defence and security, PM Modi said both countries will work with the principle of “Security through Solidarity.” "Cooperation will be enhanced in areas such as training of armed forces, maritime security, defence supply, and cyber security: PM @narendramodi," PMO posted on X.

On education and skill development, India will double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana and support the creation of a Skill Development Centre. "Today, we have decided to double the ITEC and ICCR scholarships for Ghana. For the vocational education of youth, work will be done to establish a Skill Development Centre. In the agricultural sector, we will be happy to collaborate in President Mahama Ji's 'Feed Ghana' program: PM @narendramodi," PMO said.

The leaders also aligned on broader global issues. "We express our gratitude to Ghana for its cooperation in our fight against terrorism. In this context, we have decided to further strengthen mutual cooperation in counter-terrorism. Our perspective on UN reforms is aligned: PM @narendramodi," PMO stated.

Modi expressed pride in the African Union's permanent membership in the G20 during India’s presidency. "It is a matter of pride for India that during our G20 presidency, the African Union was granted permanent membership in the G20: PM @narendramodi," PMO added.

Highlighting the historical and cultural ties, PM Modi said, "At the heart of India-Ghana friendship are our shared values, struggles, and shared dreams for an inclusive future. The freedom struggle of our nations has inspired many other countries. Even today, in West Africa, Ghana stands as a vibrant democracy, a 'Beacon of Hope' for other nations: PM @narendramodi."

PM Modi also expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received in Ghana. "I am deeply grateful for the warmth, affection, and respect with which we have been welcomed in Ghana. The fact that the President himself came to the airport is a matter of great honor for me: PM @narendramodi," PMO said.

In recognition of his efforts to strengthen India-Ghana ties and support for the Global South, President Mahama conferred the national award “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” on PM Modi. “PM dedicated the award to the 1.4 billion people of India and the historic & deep rooted India-Ghana relations,” MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.

External Afffairs minister S. Jaishankar also acknowledged the honour, calling it "a recognition of his steadfast efforts in strengthening the voice of the Global South."

(With inputs from IANS)