Mahama pushes for expanded economic cooperation with India, Lebanon

President John Mahama has called for stronger economic and diplomatic relations between Ghana and India and Lebanon, highlighting opportunities for expanded trade, investment and development cooperation.

He made the remarks on Wednesday, November 11, when he received Letters of Credence from the two countries' representatives at the Jubilee House in Accra.

Welcoming India's High Commissioner to Ghana, Surendra Bhagat, President Mahama described relations between the two countries as warm and long-standing, noting India's contribution to Ghana's development over the years.

He said the relationship was built on shared principles, including South-South cooperation, anti-colonial solidarity, the Commonwealth and the Non-Aligned Movement.

The President also commended Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for what he described as the transformation taking place in India.

He recalled Mr Modi's visit to Ghana in 2025, saying it provided an opportunity for both countries to elevate their relations to a comprehensive partnership.

President Mahama cited the memorandum of understanding signed between the University of Ghana and the Zoological Survey of India on academic and scientific cooperation as one of the important outcomes of the visit.

He also acknowledged India's support for Ghana's socio-economic development through concessional financing, lines of credit, grants and technical cooperation.

“I assure you, High Commissioner, of Ghana's readiness to work closely with you to further deepen the excellent relations between our two countries,” he said.

Turning to Lebanon's new Ambassador, Fouad Kazaka, President Mahama congratulated him on his appointment and assured him of the government's cooperation.

He recognised the contribution of the Lebanese community to Ghana's development, particularly in manufacturing, commerce, real estate, education, health and hospitality.

The President urged the Ambassador to work with Ghana's business community to expand trade and investment, identifying agri-processing, manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, infrastructure, renewable energy, information technology and tourism as areas with potential for cooperation.

On the situation in the Middle East, President Mahama welcomed the trilateral peace framework brokered by the United States and signed by Lebanon and Israel on June 26, 2026.

He expressed optimism that the agreement would bring a lasting end to hostilities and restore Lebanon's sovereignty.

“I am optimistic that the agreement will lead to a permanent end to hostilities and the restoration of Lebanon's sovereignty,” he said.