PM Modi Addresses Ghana's Parliament, Speaks Of The Rise Of Global South

Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Ghana's Accra on Wednesday, marking the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.

In his address to the Ghana Parliament, Modi spoke about democracy, the rise of the global south and the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. He said that India is not just a partner but a co-traveller in Ghana’s development journey. 

“The world order created after the Second World War is changing fast. The revolution in technology, the rise of the global south and shifting demographics are contributing its pace and scale,” he said, adding that the challenges of colonial rule that humanity faced in the earlier centuries still persists in different forms. 

He said that the histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule but the spirits of the two countries have remained free and fearless, drawing strength and inspiration from the rich heritage. 

“We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversities. We built nations rooted in freedom, unity and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous sugarloaf pineapple,” he stated.

While speaking about democracy, he said that it is not merely a system but a part of the fundamental values. “From thousands of years ago, we have examples of centres like Vaishali. The Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, says, ‘Let good thoughts come to us from all directions’. This openness to ideas is the core of democracy,” he said.

He further stated that India has over 2,500 political parties, 20 different parties governing different States, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects. “The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar into tea,” The Hindu reported.

The Prime Minister said that last year, India re-elected the same government for the third consecutive time. “Today, India is the fastest growing, emerging economy on the foundations of stable polity and good governance, India will soon be the third largest economy,” adding that India contributes nearly 16% to global growth and the demography is paying its dividend.

He also mentioned that India is the world’s third largest start up ecosystem, an innovation and technology hub where global companies want to converse. He spoke of Indian women in the field of science, space, aviation and sports.

“When India landed Chandrayaan mission on the moon’s south pole, I was in Africa that day too. And today, an Indian astronaut, for a brighter future of humanity, is conducting experiments onboard space station, I am once again in Africa,” he says.

He said that his presence in Ghana is not an ordinary coincidence, but is reflective of the deep bond the countries share over common aspirations and shared future. 

“The people of India have resolved to make India a developed nation by 2047, when we celebrate 100 years of independence. As Ghana continues to pursue the path of progress and prosperity, India shall walk with you shoulder-to-shoulder on this road,” The Hindu quoted him saying.

Lastly, he mentioned that India and Ghana’s partnership is not for today but for generations to come.

Modi, currently on a five-nation tour, will interact with the Indian community at the Kempinski Hotel Gold Coast. He was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country's national honour, for his "distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership".

Modi received the award on Wednesday from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama. 

He will be visiting nations in Africa and South America over the next few days and attend the upcoming BRICS Summit in Rio de Janeiro.