Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the Parliament of Ghana on Thursday and highlighted the “sweetness” of the relationship between the two countries, which he said was rooted in shared struggles.
“The histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule, but our spirits have always remained free and fearless. We draw strength and inspiration from our 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,” PM Modi said.
“And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf Pineapple,” he added.
PM Modi highlighted India’s democratic system, noting that the country has more than 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages and thousands of dialects. The Prime Minister repeated the figure after seeing the reaction from members of Ghana’s Parliament.
“I repeat, 2,500 political parties. Twenty different parties governing different states. Twenty-two official languages, thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who come to India have always been welcomed with an open heart. The same spirit helps Indians integrate easily wherever they go. Even in Ghana, they have blended into society, just like sugar in tea,” PM Modi said.
Praising the African nation, the Prime Minister said, “Ghana is known as the land of gold, not just for what lies under your soil but as much for the warmth and strength in your heart.”
“When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that shines with courage, that rises above history, that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress has truly made Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” he added.
PM Modi highlighted that with President John Mahama, India and Ghana have decided to elevate ties to a Comprehensive Partnership.
“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 to its pace and scale. The challenges such as colonial rule that humanity has faced in earlier centuries still persist in different forms,” he said.
Listing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity, PM Modi said that institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond.
The Prime Minister reiterated India’s vision during its 2023 G20 Presidency — One Earth, One Family, One Future — and underscored how India highlighted Africa’s place at the global high table, with the African Union becoming a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency.
“The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance. Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We need more than slogans; we need action. That is why during India’s G20 presidency, we worked with the vision ‘One Earth, One Family, One Future’,” PM Modi said.
Stressing India’s commitment to ensuring Africa’s rightful place in global decision-making, the Prime Minister said, “We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our presidency. For India, our philosophy is humanity first,” he said, quoting a Sanskrit verse that he translated as: “May all be happy; may all be free from illness; may no one suffer in any way.”
This philosophy, PM Modi said, has shaped India’s approach to the world. “It guided our actions during the COVID pandemic. We shared vaccines and medicines with over 150 countries, including our friends in Ghana,” he highlighted.
The PM added that “India carries Africa in its heart” and called for building a stronger partnership.
On being conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award, the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the PM said, “It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by the President. I express my heartfelt gratitude to President Mahama ji, the Government of Ghana and the people of Ghana. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians.”
The Prime Minister dedicated the award to the youth of both countries. “I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions, and the historic ties between India and Ghana,” he said.
The award was presented during PM Modi’s visit to Ghana, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in more than 30 years.
PM Modi also paid tribute at the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, honouring Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President and a revered leader of the African independence movement.
ANI