On the west coast of Africa, Ghana, known as Gold Coast during the British rule, is one of the safest places in the region. People roam around the streets even after midnight without fear. The Ghanaians are well-educated, cultured people with a sense of pride.

There is a small but vibrant Indian community in Ghana. The majority of Indians are from the Sindhi community who came to Ghana around the turn of the century as traders and shopkeepers. Most of them are still importers and shopkeepers. However, many have started manufacturing industries such as plastics, electronics pharmaceuticals, optical goods etc.

The first ever Indian to reach Ghana was Bhai Boolchand, in the early part of the twentieth century Bhai Boolchand a Sindhi trader who was settled in Marseilles, France, arrived in Accra via Dakar, Senegal, a French colony. Bhai Boolchand opened a shop in Accra, selling foodstuff, agarbatis and general merchandise to local Ghanaians. Six years after his arrival Bhai Boolchand fell sick with yellow fever. He never recovered fully to continue his business. He closed down his shop and left for Dakar.

Indian businessmen who came with serious intentions of establishing themselves in Ghana were brothers Tarachand Jassomal Daswani and Metharam Jassomal Daswani. The Daswani brothers hailed from Hyderabad, Sind, now in Pakisthan. They opened a store in the market place in the capital city of Cape Coast in the year 1919 under the name of M/s Metharam Jassomal Bros & Company. Their Business Flourished, branches were opened in Accra and Kumasi. With the passing of years, business grew and at the same time the children of both brothers also became part of the growing empire. There was then a split in the family. One of the brothers separated. He started his own business under the name of M/s. Tarachand Jassomal.

It was only a matter of time; after a few years of success run by the two Sindhi organisations, their Sindhi staff left their jobs and started their own businesses. This gave birth to more companies with more expatriate staff, again staff leaving their bosses and starting on their own. The chain continued. Some of the well-known traders who were success stories in Ghana are M/s Lilaram Thanwardas, Mahtani Bros., M.G. Punjabi Bros., V. Lokumal, T. Chandirams & Co., K. Chellaram & Sons, G. Motiram, G. Dayaram, Glamour Group of Companies, Melsons etc. Although most of these companies had successful operations, their activities were confined to Ghana.

After the World War in the 1947 the travel routes by ships and air were re-established. Ghana - a prosperous country on the West Coast of Africa attracted the attention of many Indian multinational organisations who were eager to expand. Soon, big names like J. T. Chainrai, Bhojsons, Chotirmals, Dalamals, A.D. Gulab and scores of other opened branches in Ghana seeking a share in the pie.

The Indian Association of Ghana has a long colourful history. The idea of forming an Association was mooted by certain well-known traders to safeguard the interests of the traders and create social order in the community. In 1940 the first ever Indian Merchants Association was formed in Accra, Ghana. In fact this was the first such body created in the entire West African region by Indian traders. The first President was Mr K. W. Mahtani. Mr N. T. Daswani became the Hon. Secretary. The constitution and by-laws were carefully drafted to safeguard the interest of the members. After a slow start, the Association picked up momentum in 1942 under President B. Metharam. Regular monthly meetings were held at the residence of each director of the Association in rotation followed by dinner. The entire affair would last until midnight. The meeting-cum-social evening became so popular that members always looked forward to it. With a 100% attendance of Committee Members at the meetings, it became a must for all. Minutes were kept in Sindhi Arabic script. Many years later this was changed to English.

A noteworthy project undertaken by the group was to renovate and construct a female ward in the Military Hospital. This provided service to the sick, suffering patients of the Ghanaian society. The primary health care programme has won the praise of all for the Indian ladies of Ghana. The rehabilitated ward was named after Mahatma Gandhi to enshrine his memory. The Mahatma Gandhi ward provides soothing care to female patients. It was the President of the Indian Women's Association, Mrs Nirmala Mohinani, who gave shape to the Gandhi ward.