PM Modi Honoured with Ghana’s Highest Civilian Award

Key Points for SSC, UPSC & Other Exams

  • Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ghana’s top national honour – Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.
  • The award was conferred by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
  • Modi is the first Indian Prime Minister to visit Ghana in three decades.
  • The award recognizes Modi’s global leadership and contribution to India-Ghana relations.
  • PM Modi dedicated the honour to India’s 140 crore citizens, especially youth and cultural heritage.
  • The visit led to the announcement of a Comprehensive Partnership between India and Ghana.

About Ghana (for Exams)

  • Continent: Africa
  • Capital: Accra
  • Currency: Ghanaian Cedi
  • President (as per article): John Dramani Mahama
  • Important River: Volta River
  • Famous Park: Mole National Park
  • Key Organisation Memberships: African Union (AU), ECOWAS, Commonwealth
  • India-Ghana Relations: Shared democratic values, historical friendship, growing economic ties

Complete Details of the Event

In a significant recognition of India’s growing diplomatic stature, Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana – the West African country’s highest civilian honour. The award was personally presented by President John Dramani Mahama during PM Modi’s landmark state visit.

This decoration acknowledges Modi’s distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership, particularly in strengthening South-South cooperation. It also signifies Ghana’s appreciation for India’s support and partnership over the years.

PM Modi, visibly moved by the gesture, described the award as an honour not just for himself but for the entire 140 crore citizens of India. Posting on X, he wrote:

“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’.”

In his acceptance speech, Modi attributed the honour to India’s youth, culture, and centuries-old democratic spirit. He stated that the award would “deepen the friendship between India and Ghana” and comes with a “renewed responsibility” to further bilateral cooperation.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi held wide-ranging talks with the Ghanaian leadership, covering economic cooperation, education, and climate change. Both sides agreed to elevate their ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, a major diplomatic step after three decades since the last prime ministerial visit from India.

This recognition is part of PM Modi’s five-nation diplomatic tour, reflecting India’s proactive global outreach policy and its commitment to building bridges with nations across continents.

Possible MCQs for Exams

Q1. Which national honour was conferred on PM Narendra Modi by Ghana?
A. Medal of Honour
B. Officer of the Star of Africa
C. Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana
D. Golden Star of Ghana
Answer: C

Q2. Who presented Ghana’s highest civilian award to PM Modi?
A. Nana Akufo-Addo
B. Cyril Ramaphosa
C. John Dramani Mahama
D. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf
Answer: C

Q3. PM Modi’s visit to Ghana marked the first Indian PM visit in how many years?
A. 20 years
B. 25 years
C. 30 years
D. 10 years
Answer: C

Q4. What was the purpose of PM Modi’s visit to Ghana?
A. To sign a military alliance
B. To initiate a cultural exchange programme
C. To elevate bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership
D. To attend a UN summit
Answer: C

Q5. What did PM Modi dedicate the Ghanaian honour to?
A. His cabinet
B. India’s economy
C. India’s youth and culture
D. African diplomacy
Answer: C

UPSC-Oriented FAQs with Answers

Q1. Why is the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana significant for India’s foreign policy?
Answer:
The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana awarded to PM Modi reflects Ghana’s recognition of India’s global leadership and commitment to deepening South-South cooperation. It reinforces India’s Act Africa policy and marks an important step in strengthening bilateral ties with African nations. This recognition serves as a diplomatic soft power achievement and consolidates India’s growing presence on the global stage.

Q2. What is the strategic importance of India-Ghana relations in the context of South-South Cooperation?
Answer:
India-Ghana relations are a key component of India’s engagement with the Global South. Both nations share historical anti-colonial struggles and democratic ideals. India has been involved in development cooperation in Ghana through capacity building, IT, agriculture, and education. Enhanced strategic engagement with Ghana allows India to expand its influence in West Africa, counter global power competition, and align with sustainable development goals.

Q3. How can PM Modi’s Ghana visit be interpreted through the lens of India’s Africa outreach policy?
Answer:
The visit aligns with India’s broader Africa outreach strategy, which emphasizes mutual growth, respect, and partnership. By elevating the relationship to a comprehensive partnership and receiving a national honour, the visit highlights India’s proactive diplomacy. This approach reflects India’s soft power tactics and efforts to build long-term alliances in energy, trade, and geopolitics within the African continent.

Q4. What lessons does this diplomatic gesture hold for Indian foreign service aspirants?
Answer:
This event underscores the significance of personal diplomacy, cultural respect, and consistent engagement in foreign policy. It highlights how soft power, symbolism, and mutual recognition can open avenues for deeper economic and strategic ties. Aspirants should learn how such symbolic honours serve as tools of diplomacy that validate the effectiveness of foreign outreach and leadership image-building.