PM Modi pushes for Global South voice in historic Ghana Parl address
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday made a strong push for a greater voice to the Global South as he addressed Ghana Parliament, a first for any Indian PM.
Recalling shared colonial legacies and democratic traditions of the two nations, Modi batted for credible and effective reforms in global governance and said, “Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South.”
In a speech that invited frequent applause, Modi quoted the first Ghana President, Kwame Nkrumah, who had said “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”
Noting that the world order created after the Second World War was changing fast, Modi said, “The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance.”
The PM detailed India’s journey and growth as the fastest growing emerging economy set to overtake Germany as the world’s third and said, “A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world.”
During his address, Modi thanked Ghana President John Mahama and Ghana people for the national honour — Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana — they conferred upon him and stressed shared democratic values of the two nations.
He said, “For us, democracy is not merely a system; It is a part of our fundamental values.” Speaking of histories of India and Ghana bearing the scars of colonial rule, the PM said the challenges of colonialism had not ended, they had only altered in shape.
Earlier today, India and Ghana agreed to elevate their relationship to a Comprehensive Partnership. In a bilateral meeting, Modi and Mahama discussed global issues of mutual interest, including UN reforms and reaffirmed time-tested ties.
Prime Minister Modi thanked Mahama for support in the wake of the Pahalgam terror attack and the two sides agreed to strengthen the global fight against terrorism.
They spoke of strengthening defence and security partnership and the Prime Minister congratulated Ghana on its growing international profile, including its term on the UN Human Rights Council and the election of Ghana’s Foreign Minister as the Commonwealth Secretary-General.
Both leaders reiterated their commitment to democratic values, South-South cooperation and a shared vision for sustainable development and global peace.
Four MoUs in Culture, Standards, Ayurveda and Traditional Medicine, and Joint Commission Mechanism for engagement between foreign ministries were exchanged.
This was an Indian PM’s first visit to Ghana, one of the fastest growing economies in West Africa, after 1995. India is the largest export market for Ghana with gold making up 70 per cent exports to India.
Modi later left for Trinidad & Tobago for the second leg of his nine-day five-nation visit, one of the longest overseas and one that is meant to counter the Chinese influence in the Global South. Nearly 45 per cent of the Indian diaspora in the Caribbean lives in T&T.
India