Accra [Ghana], July 3 (ANI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday paid homage to Ghana’s founding President and iconic Pan-African leader, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, at the Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra. He was joined by Ghana’s Vice President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, for the solemn occasion.
At the memorial, Modi laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence to honor Nkrumah’s enduring contributions to freedom, unity, and social justice in Africa. His gesture underscored India’s respect for Ghana’s rich history and the deep ties of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
The Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park, designed by Don Arthur, houses the mausoleum of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah. It stands as a tribute to the visionary leader who led the Gold Coast to independence from British rule in 1957, renaming it Ghana and becoming its first Prime Minister and later President — marking the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve independence.
Nkrumah’s influence extended far beyond Ghana as he championed Pan-Africanism, advocated for African unity, and co-founded the Non-Aligned Movement — reflecting his vision of a post-colonial, cooperative global order. His seminal writings, including Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, critiqued the subtler forms of domination that persisted after formal colonial rule.
While his rule was marred by growing dissent and economic challenges, leading to his overthrow in 1966, Nkrumah’s legacy as a pioneer of African liberation and unity remains profound.
On Wednesday, President John Mahama conferred on PM Modi Ghana’s highest civilian honor — The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana. Modi expressed gratitude, calling the award a “matter of immense pride” for all Indians.
“I humbly accept this honor on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” Modi said. “I dedicate this award to the aspirations of our youth, their bright future, our rich cultural diversity and traditions, and the historic ties between India and Ghana.”
Modi’s visit marks the first by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over three decades. During his talks with President Mahama, the two leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, signaling India’s renewed engagement with Africa and the Global South.
The trip is widely seen as a milestone in deepening the India-Ghana partnership, fostering closer cooperation in areas ranging from trade and investment to education and technology. (ANI)
About The Author
