PM Modi becomes the first Indian Prime Minister to address Ghana’s Parliament; calls for a stronger voice for the Global South.
Accra/Port of Spain: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on July 3 became the first Indian Prime Minister to address a special session of Ghana’s Parliament, underlining India’s commitment to strengthening democratic values and championing the voice of the Global South in global governance.
Addressing lawmakers, government officials and dignitaries in Accra, PM Modi said he brought with him the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians as the representative of the world’s largest democracy.
“For us, democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values,” the PM said, adding that true democracy promotes debate, discussion, dignity and human rights.
Recalling the shared history of India and Ghana, both of which bear the scars of colonial rule, the Prime Minister said that despite this past, “our spirits have always remained free and fearless.”
Quoting Ghana’s first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, PM Modi said, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.” He stressed that the ideals of unity, peace, and justice form the foundation of strong and enduring partnerships.
The PM also noted that the post-World War II global order is changing rapidly, driven by technological revolutions, the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics. He called for credible and effective reforms in global governance, underlining that progress cannot be achieved without giving a stronger voice to emerging nations.
Highlighting India’s presidency of the G20, PM Modi said the inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member was a step towards ensuring fair representation for Africa and the Global South.
“Today, India is the fastest-growing emerging economy,” the Prime Minister said, describing the country as a hub for innovation and technology where global companies are keen to invest. He added that a strong India would contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.
During his speech, PM Modi expressed gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the Ghanaian people for the national honor conferred upon him, calling it a symbol of the enduring friendship between the two nations.
He praised Ghana’s vibrant parliamentary system and welcomed growing ties between the legislatures of both countries, including the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society.
Reaffirming India’s resolve to become a developed nation by 2047, the PM assured lawmakers that India would continue to stand “shoulder to shoulder with Ghana in its pursuit of progress and prosperity.”
A warm welcome in Trinidad & Tobago
Later, PM Modi’s arrival at the Piarco International Airport in Port of Spain became a veritable festival of the Indo-Caribbean culture as diaspora put on a show of their Indian heritage in dance, music, and costumes.
Members of the First Felicity Ramleela and Cultural Group dressed as figures from Indian scriptures lined up to greet him as he walked past with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, who was wearing a blue sari, a symbol of her proud Indian heritage. Others rolled out drums of various Indian types for tassa, an Indo-Caribbean percussion performance.
Modi was to be conferred the Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (ORTT) as “a tribute of the nation’s appreciation for Prime Minister Modi’s outstanding contribution to the development of Trinidad and Tobago; and service to the region and wider international community”, according to the government.
PM Modi is on a week-long tour from July 2 to 9. His stops include Ghana, Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
