Introduction

On 29th October 2024, the High Commission of India in collaboration with the Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana (CFR-GH) convened a high-level roundtable conference on the theme “Perspectives from Ghana: India and the Global South.” The event examined the evolving role of South-South cooperation, with particular attention to historical trajectories, economic linkages, cultural exchange, technological development, and security cooperation.The dialogue underscored the need for coordinated strategies to strengthen the capacity of Global South nations to address common challenges and shape the international agenda.

Opening Statements

Ambassador Kabral Blay-Amihere (Vice President, CFR-GH) emphasized the roundtable as a platform for innovative dialogue and policy engagement, highlighting its role in advancing Ghana’s contribution to the Global South discourse.

Ambassador Manish Gupta (High Commissioner of India) reaffirmed India’s commitment to South-South cooperation, stressing shared frameworks for trade, technology transfer, and cultural exchange.

Peter Taylor (MFA Representative), speaking on behalf of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, linked Ghana’s global aspirations, including the Commonwealth Secretary-General bid, to the imperative of stronger Global South solidarity on issues such as climate change, health, and economic stability.

Thematic Discussions

The roundtable, moderated by Dr. Kamal-Deen Ali (Navy Captain, Rtd.), engaged experts from diplomacy, business, academia, and civil society.

Key perspectives included:

Historical Context – Ambassador Kwabena Baah-Duodu situated Ghana’s role within the Non-Aligned Movement and emphasized lessons from past limitations of South-South cooperation.

Private Sector Engagement – Dr. Tony Oteng-Gyasi advocated for reforms that strengthen trade facilitation, expand market access, and enhance Ghana-India commercial cooperation.

Youth and Cultural Diplomacy – Ms. Harriet Nartey highlighted the role of cultural identity and youth participation in deepening cooperation, citing food diplomacy as a connector.

Technology and Development – Mr. Amar Deep Hari underscored the potential of IT solutions for development while stressing food security, local industry, and skills training as priorities.

Security Cooperation – Dr. Kwaku Danso called for a coordinated security framework within the Global South, noting the inadequacies of current international arrangements and the need for UN reform.

Strategic Insights

From the Q&A session, participants articulated several cross-cutting insights:

1. Technology is an enabler, not a substitute, for addressing structural challenges such as food security and industrialization.
2. Development requires shared responsibility between governments and private actors.
3. UN reforms, particularly Security Council restructuring, are essential for equitable representation of the Global South.
4. Education and informed media engagement are critical for overcoming the “poverty of the mind” in international affair

Policy Recommendations

The conference identified actionable priorities for advancing South-South cooperation:

1. Institutionalize South-South Platforms to facilitate sustained collaboration and policy alignment.
2. Enhance the Private Sector Environment through policies that incentivize innovation and entrepreneurship.
3. Invest in Youth and Cultural Diplomacy to strengthen social cohesion and global engagement.
4. Promote Digital Literacy and Technology Access while safeguarding self-sufficiency in agriculture and manufacturing.
5. Strengthen Security Cooperation by developing regional frameworks to address transnational threats.

Conclusion

The roundtable reaffirmed the critical role of Ghana and India in shaping the Global South agenda. By aligning historical lessons with contemporary opportunities, both countries underscored their commitment to collective resilience and inclusive development.The Council on Foreign Relations-Ghana (CFR-GH) will continue to convene platforms that advance dialogue, research, and actionable strategies for strengthening the voice of Africa and the Global South in international affairs.