Global South’s Voice Crucial for World Progress: PM Modi in Ghana

 Global South’s Voice Crucial for World Progress: PM Modi in Ghana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his historic visit to Ghana, made a strong case for amplifying the voice of the Global South in shaping the future of the world. Addressing a special joint session of Ghana’s Parliament in Accra—the first time an Indian Prime Minister has done so—Mr. Modi emphasized that meaningful global progress can’t happen without listening to and empowering developing nations.

During the visit, Mr. Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by President John Mahama. He called the honour a “symbol of the deep and enduring friendship” between India and Ghana, rooted in the shared legacy of anti-colonial struggles and decades of close cooperation.

Quoting Ghana’s founding father Kwame Nkrumah, Mr. Modi said that India and Africa are connected by “intrinsic forces”—deeper, natural ties that transcend external influences. He praised Nkrumah’s vision and linked it to a larger global shift: “The world order established after the Second World War is changing quickly. Technology, the rise of the Global South, and changing demographics are accelerating this transformation.”

He pointed out that while colonialism may have formally ended, many of its challenges persist in new forms. In this context, he said, it’s essential to push for real reforms in global governance institutions, so they reflect today’s realities.

Mr. Modi underlined the major global issues of our time—climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity—and said that solving these requires the collective voice of the Global South. “Progress won’t be inclusive unless everyone has a seat at the table,” he said.

Highlighting India’s commitment to Africa, the Prime Minister expressed pride over the African Union becoming a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency. “We advocated strongly for Africa’s rightful place in global decision-making bodies,” he noted.

Referring again to Dr. Nkrumah, Mr. Modi said, “The forces that unite us are far greater than the ones that try to divide us.” He reaffirmed India’s support for Ghana’s development, saying India would always stand “shoulder to shoulder” with the West African nation.

Speaker Alban Kingsford Sumana Bagbin convened the special parliamentary session for Mr. Modi’s address. The Prime Minister thanked the Speaker for the warm gesture and welcomed the formation of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society, calling it a step forward in strengthening democratic and people-to-people ties between the two nations.