PM Modi Makes Historic Address to Ghana Parliament, Deepens India-Africa Ties

In a momentous milestone in India-Ghana bilateral relations, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a Special Session of the Parliament of Ghana, symbolizing the deep-rooted friendship and democratic solidarity between the two nations.

The historic session was convened by the Speaker of the Parliament of Ghana, Hon’ble Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin, and attended by a distinguished gathering of Ghanaian lawmakers, ministers, government officials, diplomats, and dignitaries from both nations.

A Celebration of Shared Histories and Democratic Ideals

Prime Minister Modi’s address was deeply symbolic, reaffirming the historical bonds between India and Ghana, forged through shared anti-colonial struggles, mutual admiration for democratic governance, and cooperation across multiple sectors in the post-independence era.

“Our journeys towards freedom and democracy may have begun separately, but they have converged into a shared path of peace, justice, and inclusive development,” said PM Modi, drawing from the legacy of Indian and Ghanaian national movements.

He paid heartfelt tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding father and a towering figure in Pan-Africanism, quoting his words:

“The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”

Democracy: A Cultural Pillar of Both Nations

Prime Minister Modi emphasized the commonality of democratic values in both India and Ghana.

• He reiterated India’s pride in being known as the “Mother of Democracy,” highlighting the long-standing traditions of democratic discourse and decentralized governance in Indian civilization.

• He praised Ghana’s vibrant democratic institutions and participatory political culture, which he described as a model in the African continent.

“Our democracies may differ in scale, but not in spirit. Ghana and India both embody the principle that true power resides with the people,” he declared.

He noted that India’s democratic strength lies in its diversity and inclusiveness, which finds resonance in Ghana’s pluralistic and multi-ethnic society.

Global South and the New World Order

In his address, PM Modi touched upon pressing global concerns — from climate change and terrorism to pandemics and cybersecurity threats. He called for an equitable global governance framework where the voice of the Global South is not only heard but leads the way.

He lauded Ghana’s leadership in Pan-African diplomacy and welcomed the historic inclusion of the African Union (AU) as a permanent member of the G20, a step achieved under India’s presidency in 2023.

“A new, balanced, and inclusive global order is possible only when the aspirations of the Global South are respected. India and Ghana must work together to shape that future,” he said.

Strengthening Parliamentary and People-to-People Ties

PM Modi hailed the institutionalization of the Ghana–India Parliamentary Friendship Society, noting that such forums will create deeper channels of legislative dialogue, capacity-building, and experience-sharing between the two democracies.

He also encouraged greater youth engagement, educational exchanges, and cultural collaborations to foster stronger people-to-people ties.

“Our ties are not transactional. They are transformational. They are built on mutual respect, historical solidarity, and a shared vision for the future,” he said.

India’s Development Goals and Commitment to Africa

Looking ahead, Prime Minister reiterated India’s aspiration to become a developed nation by 2047, the centenary of its independence, and pledged to stand “shoulder to shoulder” with Ghana as it pursues its own development goals.

He emphasized that India is committed to:

• Supporting infrastructure and digital development in Africa

• Collaborating on healthcare and agriculture

• Enhancing South-South cooperation in education, fintech, and sustainability

• Expanding training programs under Indian Technical and Economic Cooperation (ITEC)

• Deepening defense and maritime security cooperation

A Message of Unity and Future Partnership

The address concluded with PM Modi expressing his heartfelt gratitude to the President of Ghana, H.E. John Dramani Mahama, and the Ghanaian Parliament for the National Honour conferred upon him—the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, calling it a “symbol of enduring friendship” between the two nations.

“As India charts its course toward a brighter future, Ghana will find in India a trusted friend, a committed partner, and a fellow champion of democracy and development,” he concluded.

PM Modi’s address to Ghana’s Parliament was not merely ceremonial—it was a powerful reaffirmation of India’s commitment to deepening its partnership with Africa, anchored in democracy, mutual respect, and shared prosperity. It underscored the rising role of India and Ghana as collaborative leaders of the Global South, working together to build a more inclusive and equitable world order.