For his "distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership," Prime Minister Narendra Modi received Ghana's national honour, the "Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana."
Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama presented the prize to Modi on Wednesday. Modi stated in his acceptance speech that he was extremely proud and honored to receive the award.
“I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians," he said, dedicated it to the historical connections between Ghana and India, their rich cultural traditions and diversity, and the hopes and promising future of the two nations' youth.
"This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards a stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner," he said in a social media post.
Thanking the people and government of Ghana for the special gesture, the Prime Minister noted that the "shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership".
He stated that the honour "further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties" . In addition to Modi, notable individuals who have received the "Order of the Star of Ghana" include Duke of England Queen Elizabeth II, former South African President Nelson Mandela, former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Prince Charles III of Wales in 2018, King Mohammed VI of Morocco, and former Italian President Giorgio Napolitano. According to the MEA, Modi expressed his belief that his "historic" state visit to Ghana would give India-Ghana relations a boost.