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.
