Accra: On Thursday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed Ghana's Parliament and dedicated the prestigious Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, awarded to him, to the two countries' enduring friendship and shared values.
On Wednesday, President John Mahama presented Prime Minister Modi with the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country's highest civilian award. PM Modi expressed gratitude to Ghana's President for the honour, calling it a source of great pride.
During his speech to the nation's Parliament, the Prime Minister thanked the African nation on behalf of 1. 4 billion Indians and acknowledged their emotional connection to the award.
Last night was an emotional experience. It is a pleasure to receive your national award from my dear friend, President Mahama. I will always treasure this. On behalf of India's 1. 4 billion citizens, I express my gratitude to the people of Ghana for the honor. "I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Ghana," PM Modi said.
He praised the West African country for its long-standing dedication to democracy, dignity, and resilience, describing it as a beacon of inspiration for the African continent.
It is a privilege to be in Ghana, a country that exudes democracy, dignity, and resilience. As the representative of the world's largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and smiles of 1. 4 billion Indians, according to the Prime Minister.
He emphasized the strong cultural and historical ties between the two nations and praised Ghana not just for its natural resources, but also for the warmth and resilience of its inhabitants.
Ghana is known as the "Land of Gold," not just for its mineral wealth, but also for the warmth and strength of its people. Ghana appears to be a courageous country that rises above its past and meets each problem with dignity and grace. Your dedication to democratic ideals and inclusive growth genuinely makes Ghana a source of inspiration for the whole African continent, he added.
Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, Ghana, and paid respects to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana's founding President and a venerated leader of the African independence movement.
Earlier today, I had the privilege of paying tribute to our visionary statesman and beloved son of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He once stated that the forces that unite us are stronger than the imposed influences that separate us. His words continue to guide our collective journey, the Prime Minister said.
During his visit, he was joined by Ghana's Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang. The Prime Minister placed a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence in memory of Dr. Nkrumah's enduring contributions to freedom, unity, and social justice.
Ghana is the first stop on PM Modi's five-nation tour from July 2-9, which includes Trinidad and Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.
This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in more than 30 years. The visit is anticipated to strengthen the India-Ghana relationship and demonstrate New Delhi's continued commitment to Africa and the Global South.
