The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Mr Manish Gupta, has disclosed that India and Ghana are in the advanced stages of finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster stronger institutional cooperation, particularly in herbal and alternative medicine.
Addressing the media as part of his working visit to the Volta Region, the High Commissioner said the MoU aimed to expand bilateral engagement in the health sector, with a focus on herbal medicine and traditional healing practices-an area he noted is gaining popularity in both countries.
"We are currently working on an MoU that will formalize collaboration in herbal medicine between institutions in Ghana and India. These alternative modes of treatment are widely respected in both our countries, and we are looking forward to sharing knowledge, expertise, and best practices," he stated.
He indicated that the partnership would likely involve the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho and its counterpart institutions in India.
The initiative, he added, would help diversify and deepen India-Ghana relations, especially in key sectors like health, agriculture, and education.
Speaking warmly about the region, H.E. Manish Gupta praised the natural beauty, tranquility, and hospitality of the Volta Region, calling it one of his favourite destinations in Ghana.
"I love nature, and that is one of the reasons I frequently visit the Volta Region. Its pristine landscapes, calm atmosphere, and the warmth of the people make it a truly special place," he said.
This latest visit offered him the opportunity to meet with the Volta Regional Minister, Mr. James Gunu, where they explored ways to build on existing partnership and encourage greater investment from Indian businesses in the region.
The High Commissioner highlighted ongoing Indian investments in the region, including rice cultivation, sugarcane farming, and cement production, noting that these reflected India's commitment to Ghana's development.
"There is clear potential for more Indian businesses to engage in the Volta Region. The growing interest in sectors like agro-processing, wellness tourism, and healthcare is a signal that more collaboration is possible," he said.
He also pointed out that wellness tourism could thrive in the region given its natural resources and alignment with India's strong background in Ayurveda and holistic health practices
H.E. Gupta reiterated India's commitment to capacity building in Ghana through the Indian Technical
and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which has benefitted over 4,000 Ghanaians since its inception.
"Last year alone, we had between 200 and 250 Ghanaian participants in ITEC programmes, with around 20 of them coming from the Volta Region," he revealed.
The programme, he explained, offered opportunities in healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and public administration, and remained one of the cornerstones of India's development partnership with Ghana.
The High Commissioner acknowledged the importance of the media and stressed the need for stronger engagement between the Indian Mission and Ghanaian media professionals, especially in the regions.
"Media plays a vital role in shaping democratic societies and promoting development. I'm glad to engage with you today and look forward to more interactions with media stakeholders as we continue strengthening India-Ghana ties," he concluded.