Prime Minister Narendra Modi was conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’, the country’s national honour, for his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership”.
Modi received the award on Wednesday from the Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama.
“Honoured to be conferred with ‘The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana’,” the Prime Minister said on X.
In his acceptance speech, Modi said the award was a matter of great pride and honour for him.
“I humbly accept the award on behalf of the 140 crore Indians,” he said, dedicating it to the aspirations and bright future of the youth of the two countries, the historical ties between Ghana and India, and their rich cultural traditions and diversity.
“This honour is also a responsibility; to keep working towards a stronger India-Ghana friendship. India will always stand with the people of Ghana and continue to contribute as a trusted friend and development partner,” he said in an X post.
The award was conferred on the Prime Minister in recognition of his “distinguished statesmanship and influential global leadership”, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement.
Thanking the people and Government of Ghana for the special gesture, the Prime Minister noted that the “shared democratic values and traditions of the two countries would continue to nurture the partnership”.
He said the award “further deepens the friendship between the two countries and places new responsibility on him to embrace and advance bilateral ties”.
Apart from Modi, prominent personalities awarded the ‘Order of the Star of Ghana’ include Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of the UK, Nelson Mandela, the former President of South Africa, and Kofi Annan, the former Secretary-General of the UN, King Charles III as the Prince of Wales in 2018, King Mohammed VI, the King of Morocco, and Giorgio Napolitano, the former president of Italy.
Modi asserted his confidence that his “historic” state visit to Ghana would impart a new momentum to India-Ghana ties, according to the MEA.
“A testament to the deep and long-standing India-Ghana ties, “ MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said on X.
Earlier, Modi held wide-ranging talks with Mahama, after which India and Ghana elevated their ties to the level of a comprehensive partnership.
The Prime Minister is in Ghana on the first leg of his five-nation tour.
It is the first Prime Ministerial visit from India to Ghana in three decades.
Meanwhile, Modi said a strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world as he pushed for credible and effective reforms in global governance in the wake of changing circumstances.
In his address to the Parliament in Ghana, Modi also said that progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South.
“In these times of global uncertainty, India’s democratic stability shines as a ray of hope. India’s rapid progress is a catalyst for global growth. As the world’s largest democracy, India is a pillar of strength for the world. A strong India will contribute to a more stable and prosperous world,” the Prime Minister said.
Noting that India is the fastest-growing emerging economy, Modi said that on the foundations of stable polity and governance, India will soon become the third-largest economy.
“We already contribute nearly 16% to global growth. Our demography is paying its dividend. India now has the world’s third-largest start-up ecosystem. India is an innovation and technology hub, where global companies want to converge,” he said.
The Prime Minister underlined that the world order created after World War II is changing fast. “The revolution in technology, the rise of the Global South, and the shifting demographics are contributing to its pace and scale,” he said.
“The world is also 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,” he added.
He said progress cannot come without giving voice to the Global South. “We need more than slogans. We need action. That is why, during India’s G20 Presidency, we worked with the vision – One Earth, One Family, One Future,” he added.
“We put emphasis on Africa’s rightful place at the global high table. We are proud that the African Union became a permanent member of the G20 during our Presidency,” he said.
The Prime Minister said India “remains a committed partner” in Africa’s development journey. “We support Africa’s Development Framework, Agenda 2063, to secure a bright and sustainable future for its people.”
“Africa’s goals are our priorities. Our approach is to grow together as equals. Our development partnership with Africa is demand-driven. It is focused on building local capacities and creating local opportunities. Our objective is not just to invest, but to empower,” he said.
In his address, Modi said it was a privilege to be in Ghana – a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity and resilience.
“When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that shines with courage, that rises above history, that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress truly makes Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” he said. (PTI)
