PM Modi becomes first Indian leader to address Ghanaian Parliament

Accra, Jul 3: Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a special session of the Parliament of Ghana on Thursday, becoming the first Indian Prime Minister to do so. The session was convened by Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin and attended by Members of Parliament, senior government officials, and distinguished guests from both nations.

The address marked a significant milestone in India-Ghana relations, underscoring the mutual respect and shared democratic values that bind the two countries. “It is a great honour to stand before this august House,” said Prime Minister Modi, expressing gratitude to President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana for conferring on him the country’s national honour. He called the recognition a “symbol of enduring friendship between our peoples.” Reflecting on the historical ties between India and Ghana, Modi spoke of their shared anti-colonial struggles and mutual commitment to democracy and inclusive development. “Our nations have been united by the dreams of our people and the ideals of justice, unity and peace,” he said.

Invoking Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Modi quoted, “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart.”

He praised Nkrumah’s visionary leadership and emphasis on democratic institution-building, noting that these principles remain vital for sustainable partnerships in today’s world. “India, as the Mother of Democracy, has embraced democratic values as part of its civilizational ethos,” Modi stated, highlighting India’s vast diversity and electoral vibrancy as proof of its democratic strength. He added, “Unity in diversity is a value we deeply share with Ghana.”

Touching on shared global challenges, including climate change, terrorism, pandemics, and cyber threats, Prime Minister Modi called for a stronger voice for the Global South in shaping the international agenda. “The inclusion of the African Union as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency was a step in this direction,” he said. Modi also commended Ghana’s robust parliamentary system and welcomed the recent establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society. “It is a welcome step that will further enhance our democratic dialogue,” he noted. Looking ahead, Modi reaffirmed India’s commitment to becoming a developed country by 2047 and assured that India would continue to partner with Ghana in its journey toward growth and prosperity. “India will always stand shoulder to shoulder with Ghana,” he concluded. The speech was met with a warm response from Ghanaian legislators, symbolising a renewed era of cooperation grounded in shared democratic ideals and South-South solidarity.