Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, paying homage to Ghana’s founding President and towering figure of Africa’s independence movement.
Accompanied by Ghana’s Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PM Modi laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence at the mausoleum that houses the mortal remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.
The tribute underlined India’s longstanding respect for Ghana’s rich anti-colonial legacy and reflected the enduring ties between the two nations.
The memorial, designed by architect Don Arthur, stands as a symbol of Dr. Nkrumah’s pivotal role in leading the Gold Coast to independence from British rule in 1957. Ghana’s independence made it the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve self-rule, inspiring liberation movements across the continent.
A proponent of Pan-African unity and a key architect of the Non-Aligned Movement, Dr. Nkrumah’s vision extended beyond national borders. He advocated African solidarity and international cooperation at a time when newly independent states were seeking a collective voice on the global stage.
Dr. Nkrumah’s ideas on neo-colonialism and his writings, including Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, continue to influence debates on post-colonial development. Despite facing political challenges and being overthrown in a coup in 1966, his legacy remains deeply embedded in Ghana’s national consciousness.
Earlier during his visit, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award — The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana — by President John Mahama. Expressing gratitude, the Prime Minister described the honour as “a matter of immense pride” for India.
“It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by the President. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” PM Modi said, dedicating the award to the youth of both nations.
PM Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades, signals New Delhi’s continued outreach to Africa and the Global South. During discussions with President Mahama, both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, underscoring cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.
(ANI)
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