India and Ghana on Wednesday elevated their relationship to a comprehensive partnership during a historic visit by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This is the first prime ministerial visit from India to Ghana in 30 years.
During the visit, PM Modi reaffirmed that India is a co-traveler in Ghana;s development journey. PM Modi met with Ghana’s President John Dramani Mahama and held wide-ranging talks. Both countries have pledged to double trade over the next five years and have agreed to deepen cooperation in defence, healthcare and agriculture and boost ties in areas like digital payments, culture and critical minerals.
In his address to the Ghana Parliament, Modi spoke about democracy, the rise of the global south and the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. He said that India is not just a partner but a co-traveler in Ghana’s development journey.
“The world order created after the Second World War is changing fast. The revolution in technology, the rise of the global south and shifting demographics are contributing its pace and scale,” he said, adding that the challenges of colonial rule that humanity faced in the earlier centuries still persists in different forms.
He said that the histories of India and Ghana bear the scars of colonial rule but the spirits of the two countries have remained free and fearless, drawing strength and inspiration from the rich heritage.
“We take pride in our social, cultural and linguistic diversities. We built nations rooted in freedom, unity and dignity. Our relationship knows no bounds. And with your permission, may I say, our friendship is sweeter than your famous sugarloaf pineapple,” he stated.
While speaking about democracy, he said that it is not merely a system but a part of the fundamental values. “From thousands of years ago, we have examples of centres like Vaishali. The Rig Veda, one of the world’s oldest scriptures, says, ‘Let good thoughts come to us from all directions’. This openness to ideas is the core of democracy,” he said.
