Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has committed to elevating the relationship between India and Ghana to a comprehensive partnership.
His address, delivered on the second day of his official visit, lauded Ghana’s robust democratic values and rich cultural heritage, emphasizing the nation’s significance as a “beacon of inspiration” for the entire African continent.
He shared histories of both nations as they overcame colonial rule and noted the enduring resilience and unbroken spirit of their people despite the scars of the past. Drawing on the wisdom of Ghana’s founding father, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Modi underscored the powerful, intrinsic bonds that unite nations, transcending artificial divisions.
Also Read: Diddy denied bail after being cleared of most serious charges
Acknowledging contemporary global challenges such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and global governance inequities, reminiscent of colonial-era injustices, Prime Minister Modi called for significant reforms within international institutions. He argued that the structures created in the previous century are struggling to keep pace with the current global landscape and require credible and effective reforms.
Speaking of India’s growing involvement in Ghana’s development, Modi pointed to the Tema-Mpakadan railway project as a landmark infrastructure achievement in the region. He championed Ghana’s potential to emerge as a prominent IT and innovation hub, emphasizing India’s dedication to empowerment and the fostering of self-sustaining ecosystems, rather than mere investment.
He commended Ghana’s active role within the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reiterating India’s commitment to an equitable partnership that fosters mutual growth across Africa.
Reflecting on India’s democratic journey, Modi described democracy as a fundamental aspect of India’s civilization, characterized by its remarkable diversity, with 2,500 political parties and 22 official languages coexisting within a pluralistic society. He showcased India’s advancements in technology, space exploration, healthcare, and climate action, reinforcing the nation’s role as a responsible global leader and the “pharmacy of the world,” boasting the world’s third-largest startup ecosystem.
Prime Minister Modi also celebrated the strengthening ties between the parliaments of Ghana and India, and referred to the active Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society and past collaborations through the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association. He extended a personal invitation to Ghanaian Members of Parliament to visit India’s new Parliament building and witness firsthand the country’s democratic reforms, including the significant reservation of one-third of parliamentary seats for women.
Speaker of Parliament Rt. Hon. Alban S.K. Bagbin, following the Prime Minister’s impactful address, acknowledged India’s democratic leadership as the world’s largest democracy.
He lauded India’s enduring parliamentary traditions, particularly the establishment of its Public Accounts Committee in 1921, and expressed his sincere gratitude to the Indian Prime Minister on behalf of the Parliament and the people of Ghana.