President John Dramani Mahama has conferred on the Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, Ghana's highest honour, 'Officer of the Or­der of the Star of Ghana'.The state honour is in recognition of Prime Minister Modi's transformative leadership, global influence and commitment to strengthening Ghana-India relations.President Mahama described Prime Minister Modi as a "distinguished statesman, bold reformer, and one of the most influential global leaders of this generation" as he read out the citation last Thursday.This was after the two countries, on Wednesday, signed a series of bilateral agreements to strengthen cooperation in the areas of trade, health and culture.As part of the agreement, the two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding for the establishment of a Permanent Joint Commission for Cooperation.Speaking after the deals were agreed, President Mahama said they were significant steps forward in the ties between Ghana and India."These pacts give fresh impetus to our shared commitment to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors, including health care, trade and cultural exchange," President Mahama said at a joint press briefing on Wednesday.According to President Mahama, additional agreements on vaccine production, agricultural machinery supply and defence cooperation were also in the offing.He was hopeful the partnership with India would support Ghana's economic revival as it implements reforms under the International Monetary Facility's extended credit facility."India's expertise in key sectors such as agriculture, energy and manufacturing aligns perfectly with our development priorities," Mr Mahama said.Accepting the award, Prime Minister Modi said the recognition was not only a personal honour but a symbol of responsibility.He said it speaks to the decades old relation between Ghana and India and would further strengthen the ties.The Indian Premier was in Ghana for a two-day state visit.It was the first of an Indian Prime Minister in 30 years.As part of his itinerary in Ghana, Prime Minister Modi visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, addressed Parliament and met the Indian community in Ghana. BY JULIUS YAO PETETSI