India and Ghana Strengthen Strategic Bilateral Relations

#GS-1 #Geography #Physical Geography #GS-2 #Current Events #International #Trade & Investment #Africa Relations

Key takeaways

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Ghana to strengthen trade and defense links while engaging with ECOWAS and the African Union.
Ghana gained independence in 1957, making it the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to break free from colonial rule.
The 0° longitude line passes through Tema, placing Ghana in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.
Ghana is Africa's top producer of gold and hosts the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat in Accra.

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently visited Ghana to boost cooperation in key sectors. The two nations focused on trade, investment, medicines, defense, and technology. India also aimed to deepen its ties with the African Union and ECOWAS through this visit.

Ghana is located along the Gulf of Guinea in West Africa. It shares land borders with Côte d’Ivoire to the west, Burkina Faso to the north, and Togo to the east. The capital city of Ghana is Accra.
In 1957, Ghana made history as the first nation in sub-Saharan Africa to secure freedom from colonial rule.
The Prime Meridian or 0° longitude runs directly through Tema in Ghana. This unique geographical feature places the country in both the Eastern and Western Hemispheres.

The Volta River system dominates Ghana's hydrology. The construction of the Akosombo Dam created Lake Volta, which generates hydroelectricity, provides irrigation, and facilitates inland transport.
Ghana ranks as the largest gold producer in Africa. The country also holds significant reserves of manganese, bauxite, diamonds, iron ore, and lithium.
Ghana played a pivotal role as a founding member of ECOWAS. Its capital city Accra serves as the headquarters for the African Continental Free Trade Area Secretariat, making Ghana a critical gateway for India's trade strategy in West Africa.