The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Manish Gupta, has paid an official visit to the Western Region as part of efforts to strengthen diplomatic and development cooperation between India and Ghana. H.E. Gupta was welcomed into the region by the Mayor of Sekondi-Takoradi, Hon. Frederick F. Faidoo, and Presidential Staffer and Political Coordinator for the Western Regional Coordinating Council, Mr. Charles Kojo Adu-Fordjour on behalf of the Western Regional Minister at the Mayor’s office in Sekondi.

The meeting primarily discussed potential areas of collaboration between the Indian High Commission and the Western Regional Coordinating Council (WRCC) to boost investment and enhance human capital development in the region. Key areas highlighted during the engagement included attracting Indian investors to explore opportunities in the region’s key sectors, such as agro-processing, mining, oil and gas.

Speaking at the meeting, the High Commissioner highlighted India’s interest in strengthening economic cooperation and fostering partnerships with local businesses in the Region. He also noted India’s long-standing support for capacity-building programs for youth and public officials, particularly in technical and administrative disciplines.

Highlighting India’s areas of global competence, the High Commissioner mentioned pharmaceuticals and health care, digital technology and innovation as sectors where India can offer strong technical support and collaboration. He also announced potential scholarship opportunities for Ghanaian students, particularly in the Western Region, to pursue further studies in Indian institutions in fields relevant to the region’s development priorities.

Mayor F. F. Faidoo, on behalf of the Western Regional Minister, Joseph Nelson, welcomed the High Commissioner’s visit and expressed the Region’s readiness to work closely with the High Commission to translate the discussions into tangible benefits for the people of the region. “This visit presents a unique opportunity for us to harness India's expertise and resources in key areas that are critical to our local development agenda,” the Mayor said.

On his part, Mr. Charles Adu-Fordjour noted the current government’s commitment to promoting sustainable collaborations that bring value to the people. He indicated that the Region’s priority list for potential investment and development interventions will be shared with the High Commission. He urged the Indian High Commission to pay more attention to the Western Region for future collaborations and development, as the region makes a significant contribution to Ghana’s economic growth.

The High Commissioner’s visit marks a step forward in deepening bilateral relations at the sub-national level and opens new doors for investment and educational exchange between India and Ghana. The visit is expected to pave the way for future engagement between the Indian High Commission and stakeholders in the Western Region.