The Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, His Excellency Manish Gupta, has announced that Ghana and India will soon sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance institutional cooperation, particularly in the fields of herbal and alternative medicine.

H.E. Gupta made this announcement during a media interaction with select journalists at the Volta Serene in Ho, as part of his working visit to the region.

He highlighted that the planned MoU aims to expand bilateral engagement in the health sector, with a specific focus on herbal medicine and traditional healing practices—an area gaining increasing popularity in both countries.

"We have begun working on an MoU to formalise and strengthen collaboration between India and Ghana in the field of herbal medicine," H.E. Manish Gupta said. He noted that alternative herbal remedies for treating diseases are widely recognised in both countries, making it crucial to share knowledge, expertise, and best practices.

The partnership will involve the University of Health and Allied Sciences (UHAS) in Ho and its counterpart institutions in India. H.E. Gupta added that the initiative would diversify and deepen India-Ghana relations, particularly in key sectors such as health, agriculture, and education.

Speaking fondly about the Volta Region, H.E. Gupta praised its natural beauty, tranquility, and hospitality. He described the region as his favourite in Ghana. "Nature is everything, and I truly love nature. I feel at peace every time I am in the Volta Region because it is beautiful and serene," he said.

Earlier, H.E. Gupta paid a courtesy call on the Volta Regional Minister, James Gunu, where they discussed ways to strengthen the relationship and partnership between Ghana and India in areas such as tourism, health, education, culture, sports, and particularly in attracting greater investment from Indian businesses in the Volta Region.

The High Commissioner also highlighted ongoing Indian investments in the region, including rice cultivation, sugarcane farming, and cement production, noting that these efforts reflect India’s commitment to Ghana’s development.

H.E. Gupta also mentioned that wellness tourism could thrive in the Volta Region, given its natural resources and the alignment with India’s strong tradition of Ayurveda and holistic health practices.

The High Commissioner 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.

According to H.E. Gupta, the programme offers opportunities in sectors such as agriculture, public administration, information technology, and healthcare.

H.E. Gupta acknowledged the importance of the media as the fourth estate and emphasised the need for stronger engagement between the Indian Mission and Ghanaian media professionals, particularly in the regions. "I know the media plays a crucial role in shaping a democratic society and promoting development. I am excited to engage with you and look forward to more meetings," he said.

H.E. Gupta's visit to the Volta Region brings with it opportunities for enhancing India’s diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties with the region, among many other prospects.