Rise of Global South shaping new world order, says PM Modi in Ghana

Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing Ghana's Parliament on Thursday, said the world order created after WWII is changing rapidly, driven by the rise of the Global South and shifting demographics.

"In this changing context, we put emphasis on Africa's rightful place at the global high table," Modi said, noting that during India's G20 presidency, "we worked with the vision-One Earth, One Family, One Future," which helped secure permanent G20 membership for the African Union.

Calling India the "mother of democracy," Modi said: "Democracy is not merely a system; it is a part of our fundamental values... India has over 2,500 political parties, 20 different parties governing different states, 22 official languages, thousands of dialects. This is also the reason that people who came to India have always been welcomed with open hearts."


He said the shared histories of colonialism bind India and Ghana: "Our spirits have always remained free and fearless... Our friendship is sweeter than your famous Sugar Loaf Pineapple."

On global challenges, Modi noted: "The challenges, such as colonial rule, that humanity has faced in earlier centuries still persist in different forms... climate change, pandemics, terrorism, and cybersecurity. Institutions created in the last century are struggling to respond. We need more than slogans. We need action."

Thanking President John Dramani Mahama and the people of Ghana for conferring on him the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, Modi called it a symbol of "enduring friendship."

Quoting Ghana's founding father Kwame Nkrumah-"The forces that unite us are intrinsic and greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart"-Modi underscored the long-term value of building democratic institutions.

India and Ghana elevated bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership during Modi's visit, agreeing to enhance cooperation in defence, food security, pharmaceuticals, and vaccine production. Four MoUs were signed, including on traditional medicine and cultural exchanges.