The Indian community in Ghana recently gathered at India House in Accra to mark India’s 79th Independence Day. This year’s theme, “Naya Bharat,” celebrating a new and developing India, included a flag hoisting ceremony and cultural performances. It was a moment for the Indian diaspora to celebrate their heritage and strengthen their national pride.
During the event, Mr. Manish Gupta, the Indian High Commissioner to Ghana, highlighted India’s remarkable economic growth. He pointed out that India is now the world’s fourth-largest economy and the fastest-growing major economy. “This is a time to celebrate our achievements,” he said.
He also honored India’s freedom fighters, notably Mahatma Gandhi. His commitment to non-violence, Mr. Gupta noted, plays a crucial role in India’s ongoing success, irrespective of global challenges.
The day was marked with a poignant moment of silence for six of the eight patriots who tragically lost their lives in a recent helicopter crash. This remembrance served as a reminder of India’s journey to freedom, celebrated on August 15, 1947. This struggle inspired many countries, including Ghana, which gained independence a decade later in 1957.
Ghana’s first President, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, was a key figure in the independence movement and shared Gandhi’s non-violence philosophy. He collaborated with India’s first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru, to establish the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 1961, which aimed to promote decolonization and global peace.
India and Ghana’s friendship dates back to the early 1950s, with official diplomatic ties starting in 1957. Over the years, the nations have built strong partnerships in trade and development, with a focus on mutual support.
A significant milestone was Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Ghana earlier this year, the first in 30 years. Mr. Gupta emphasized that this visit deepened their historical ties and opened new avenues for cooperation. Ghana now enjoys over $450 million in Indian lines of credit, with trade between the two countries reaching $3 billion, partly due to increased gold exports to India.
“Your hard work has played a vital role in strengthening our relationship,” Mr. Gupta told the Indo-Ghanaian community. He encouraged everyone to continue working together toward shared goals.
India’s assistance has been vital to Ghana’s progress, financing numerous projects, including the Kofi Annan ICT Centre and the Tema-Mpakadan railway line. As the two nations celebrate their connections, they both look toward a promising and developed future.
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