India’s exports to Ghana stood at US$623 million, with that of its imports from the West African nation coming to US$2,981 million, during the period.  Speaking to the Ghana News Agency (GNA) on the sidelines of a cultural festival of the Southern Asian country at the Centre for National Culture in Kumasi, Mr. Singh said he found it refreshing the increase in trade and strengthening of economic ties.

He indicated that there was growing demand in India for cotton, scrap metal, cashew nuts, cocoa beans, spices, artefacts and oil seeds from Ghana as it exported semi-finished iron and steel, machinery, pharmaceuticals, plastic products, sugar and rice to the country. The development was good and needed to be sustained for their mutual benefits after six decades of warm relations.

Mr. Singh said he was confident that more Indian businesses would take advantage of the business-friendly environment to invest in Ghana to grow the economy. He gave the assurance that his government would continue to create the opportunity for Ghanaian students to study in India. This would be in the form of scholarships and other incentive packages, he added. 

The beauty and rich culture of the Indians was at full blast at the festival, organized under the auspices of the High Commission, as part of activities to mark 60 years of India-Ghana diplomatic relations.

There was a thrilling performance of ‘Saptarang’, - the seven colours of Indian classical dance, choreographed by celebrated dancer, Shabhada Varadkai, and her group. The dancers captivated the audience – drawing prolonged applause, with their performance of esoteric traditional music, demonstrating the beliefs and culture of the Indian people.