A Historic Address of Unity and Democracy: PM Modi’s Speech at Ghana’s Parliament

Subheadline: Prime Minister Narendra Modi calls for deeper India-Ghana cooperation, champions democratic values, global equity, and a people-first approach in a landmark address.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi made history by addressing the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana in Accra. Speaking to a packed House that included Members of Parliament, dignitaries, diplomats, members of the Indian community, and representatives of civil society, PM Modi delivered a powerful 22-minute address that celebrated democratic values, shared history, and the growing partnership between India and Ghana.

“Maachhhe! Good morning!” began the Prime Minister in a spirited local greeting, immediately receiving a warm reception. His speech, delivered in English with a few key phrases in Hindi, was filled with heartfelt tributes, cultural references, and calls for unity across borders.

He lauded Ghana as a land that not only holds rich resources under its soil but shines brighter through the strength, resilience, and warmth of its people. Calling Ghana a “beacon of democratic values and inclusive growth,” Modi noted how the country serves as an inspiration across Africa.

The Prime Minister began by expressing gratitude for the national award he received from President Mahama the previous evening, dedicating the honour to the enduring friendship between India and Ghana.

He paid tribute to Ghana’s first President and a global icon, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, recalling his words: “The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the super-imposed influences that keep us apart.” Modi emphasized that this guiding vision of democracy, unity, and dignity continues to inspire nations like India and Ghana to work toward a just global order.

Modi reinforced India’s deep-rooted democratic tradition, reminding the audience that democracy is not merely a governance model in India but a civilizational ethos. Quoting from the Rig Veda, he highlighted India’s age-old embrace of diverse ideas: “Let noble thoughts come to us from all directions.”

Underscoring the vibrancy of Indian democracy, he cited India’s 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages, and thousands of dialects as testaments to pluralism. He added that this inclusiveness is why Indians blend effortlessly into every society—”like sugar in tea.”

Reflecting on the shared legacy of colonialism, Modi commended both India and Ghana for building independent nations rooted in unity and self-respect. With poetic charm, he remarked that the India-Ghana friendship is “sweeter than your famous Sugarloaf pineapple.”

Modi shared the intent to elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership, emphasizing the role both countries can play in reforming global governance structures. “The institutions created in the 20th century are no longer sufficient to address 21st-century challenges,” he said, calling for action rather than slogans.

He highlighted India’s efforts during its G20 Presidency in ensuring Africa’s rightful place in global affairs. Under India’s leadership, the African Union was admitted as a permanent member of the G20, a historic milestone that underscored India’s commitment to the Global South.

Quoting the Sanskrit verse “Sarve Bhavantu Sukhinah,” Modi stressed India’s global philosophy of humanity first: a world where all live happily, healthily, and peacefully. This was the spirit, he said, that drove India’s vaccine diplomacy during the COVID-19 pandemic and continues to guide initiatives like:

• Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment)
• One Sun, One World, One Grid
• International Solar Alliance
• International Big Cats Alliance
• Global Biofuels Alliance

He proudly announced Ghana will host the African Regional Meeting of the International Solar Alliance in September, further strengthening bilateral cooperation on sustainability and green energy.

Modi then pivoted to India’s recent achievements. Recalling that the people of India re-elected his government for a third consecutive term, he described India as the fastest-growing emerging economy with a strong foundation in democratic stability and good governance.

“India is poised to become the world’s third-largest economy. Our share of global growth is nearly 16%,” he said, showcasing how a youthful, dynamic population is driving innovation and entrepreneurship. India, he noted, has the third-largest startup ecosystem in the world and is home to a booming tech sector.

Praising Indian women’s achievements in science, space, sports, and leadership, he drew a link between India’s lunar achievements and his Africa visits. “When India landed on the Moon’s South Pole, I was in Africa. Today, when an Indian astronaut conducts space research, I am once again in Africa.”

This, he said, reflected more than coincidence; it symbolized the shared dreams and destiny of India and Africa.

He reaffirmed India’s goal to become a developed nation by 2047—marking 100 years of Independence—and assured Ghana that India would stand with it, shoulder to shoulder, on its own path to prosperity.

“In this time of global upheaval, India is a pillar of democratic hope. Our journey strengthens global growth. A stronger India means a stronger world,” he declared. Reiterating the mantra “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas” (Together, for everyone’s growth with trust and effort), Modi promised India’s unwavering commitment to global equity.

Highlighting India’s support for the African Union’s Agenda 2063, Modi stressed India’s development cooperation with Africa was not charity but an equal partnership rooted in capacity building, empowerment, and mutual progress.

He shared India’s recent infrastructural efforts, including the inauguration of the Tema–Mpakadan railway line in Ghana—the largest such project in the region. He commended Ghana’s strides in economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area and its potential as a regional IT and innovation hub.

Modi also emphasized collaboration on democratic processes. With pride, he noted how India and Ghana’s Electoral Commissions were learning from one another, reinforcing electoral transparency and integrity.

Parliamentary exchanges, he said, were the lifeblood of democratic engagement. He fondly recalled Ghana hosting the largest Indian parliamentary delegation in 2023 and expressed joy at the establishment of the Ghana-India Parliamentary Friendship Society. Extending an invitation to Ghanaian lawmakers, Modi encouraged them to visit the new Indian Parliament, where bold steps like reserving one-third of seats for women have set new benchmarks in inclusion.

He humorously compared the vibrancy of India’s parliamentary debates to the passion of Ghana’s beloved football team, the Black Stars.

Concluding his address, PM Modi returned to the ideals that unify India and Ghana: opportunity for every child, voice for every citizen, and progress for every nation.

Quoting Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, “I am not African because I was born in Africa, but because Africa was born in me,” Modi declared: “In the same way, India carries Africa in its heart. Let us build a partnership not only for today, but for generations to come.”

With a heartfelt “Medaa muase” (Thank you), PM Modi ended his historic address, leaving behind a message of hope, solidarity, and shared aspirations for a better, more equitable world.