Ghana to Formally Apply for BRICS Membership

Ghana is set to formally apply for membership of BRICS following Cabinet approval, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced. Speaking in Accra on October 6, Ablakwa said the decision is part of the government’s strategy to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships, attract investment and strengthen economic cooperation with emerging economies. According to the Ghana News Agency, the government views BRICS membership as offering additional development opportunities while maintaining relations with traditional partners. Ghana is also seeking closer economic ties with countries such as India, Brazil and China, with trade, industrialisation, job creation and value addition to natural resources among its priorities.

During Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s visit to Accra, President John Dramani Mahama discussed expanding Ghana-India cooperation in trade, investment, railways, pharmaceuticals and technology, according to the Ghana News Agency. The Pan-African Progressive Front (PPF) has placed Ghana’s BRICS bid within the wider discussion on South-South cooperation and Africa’s role in a changing global economic order. Its analysis examines how stronger ties with emerging economies could create greater space for African countries to shape their economic relationships and development priorities. The PPF analysis provides further context on Ghana’s move.

India has indicated that it understands and supports Ghana’s interest, although Jaishankar stressed that membership would require consideration by existing BRICS members. Ghana is expected to submit its application and seek support from member countries, with Ablakwa pointing to the country’s longstanding diplomatic ties with the bloc’s founding members. The move marks another step in Ghana’s efforts to broaden its economic and diplomatic options as global economic power becomes increasingly distributed beyond traditional centres.