The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, Manish Gupta, has announced that India and Ghana are nearing the completion of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at enhancing institutional collaboration, particularly in the fields of herbal and alternative medicine.
During a media briefing as part of his working visit to the Volta Region, the High Commissioner explained that the MoU is designed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in the health sector, emphasizing herbal medicine and traditional healing practices, which are increasingly popular in both nations.
“We are in the process of finalizing an MoU that will establish formal collaboration in herbal medicine between institutions in Ghana and India. These alternative treatment methods are highly regarded in both our countries, and we are eager to exchange knowledge, expertise, and best practices,” he remarked.
He mentioned that this partnership is expected to involve the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho, along with similar institutions in India.
Furthermore, he noted that this initiative would contribute to diversifying and enhancing India-Ghana relations, particularly in vital sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.
Expressing his admiration for the region, H.E. Manish Gupta commended the natural beauty, serenity, and hospitality of the Volta Region, describing it as one of his preferred locations in Ghana.
“I have a deep appreciation for nature, which is one of the reasons I often visit the Volta Region. Its unspoiled landscapes, peaceful environment, and the warmth of its people make it a truly remarkable place,” he stated.
This recent visit allowed him to engage with the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, to discuss ways to strengthen existing partnerships and promote increased investment from Indian enterprises in the region.
The High Commissioner underscored the ongoing Indian investments in the area, including rice cultivation, sugarcane farming, and cement production, highlighting these efforts as a testament to India’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s development.
There is significant potential for increased involvement of Indian enterprises in the Volta Region. The rising interest in areas such as agro-processing, wellness tourism, and healthcare indicates that further collaboration is feasible, he stated.
He also emphasized that wellness tourism has the potential to flourish in the region, given its abundant natural resources and the synergy with India’s rich heritage in Ayurveda and holistic health practices.
H.E. Gupta reaffirmed India’s dedication to enhancing capacity in Ghana through the Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC) Programme, which has supported over 4,000 Ghanaians since its launch.
“Last year, we had approximately 200 to 250 participants from Ghana in ITEC programmes, with around 20 hailing from the Volta Region,” he disclosed.
He elaborated that the programme provides opportunities in sectors such as healthcare, agriculture, information technology, and public administration, and it remains a fundamental aspect of India’s development partnership with Ghana.
The High Commissioner recognized the crucial role of the media and underscored the necessity for enhanced collaboration between the Indian Mission and Ghanaian media professionals, particularly in the regions.
“The media is essential in shaping democratic societies and fostering development. I am pleased to engage with you today and anticipate further interactions with media stakeholders as we work to strengthen India-Ghana relations,” he concluded.
