Our friendship is sweeter than your pineapple’: PM Modi hails India-Ghana ties in Parliament address
Paying tribute to Ghana's founding father and first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Prime Minister Modi hailed him as a visionary and a true statesman. Recalling Nkrumah's words, he said, "The forces that unite us are greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart," adding that these ideals continue to shape the India-Ghana partnership.
'Our friendship is sweeter than your pineapple’: PM Modi hails India-Ghana ties in Parliament address
Accra: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday addressed the Parliament of the Republic of Ghana during his official visit, marking a significant moment in the deepening of India-Ghana ties. Calling Ghana a land that "radiates the spirit of democracy”, PM Modi said it was a "deep honour” to speak in the country’s esteemed legislative house.
"As the representative of the world’s largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi told the Ghanaian lawmakers. "Ghana is known as the land of gold , not just for what lies beneath your soil, but for the warmth and strength in your heart.”
During his speech, the prime minister expressed gratitude for the national award conferred on him by President John Mahama. "Last evening was a deeply moving experience. Receiving your national award from my dear friend, President Mahama, is an honour… On behalf of 1.4 billion Indians, I thank the people of Ghana.”
The PM also paid homage to Ghana’s first President and independence leader, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, calling him a visionary and statesman. "He once said that the forces that unite us are greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart. His words continue to guide our shared journey,” he said.
Touching upon India’s democratic ethos, the prime minister said democracy in India is not just a system but "a part of our fundamental values.” He highlighted India’s pluralistic society. He said that the country is home to more than 2,500 political parties, 22 official languages, and thousands of dialects. "This is also the reason people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts,” he added.
Modi drew parallels between India and Ghana’s colonial past, stating that while both countries have endured the scars of imperialism, their "spirits have always remained free and fearless.” In a light-hearted moment, he said: "Our friendship is sweeter than your famous Sugar Loaf Pineapple.”
Turning to global challenges, PM Modi called for urgent reforms in international institutions. "The world is facing new and complex crises such as climate change, pandemics, terrorism and cybersecurity. Institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. The changing circumstances demand credible and effective reforms in global governance.”
Highlighting India’s push for a more inclusive international order, he said, "Progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our presidency.”