Ghana’s BRICS bid part of strategy to diversify international partnerships — Foreign Affairs Ministry

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said Ghana’s decision to formally apply to join BRICS forms part of the government’s broader strategy to diversify the country’s international partnerships and expand its economic opportunities.

The ministry said the proposed membership would strengthen Ghana’s cooperation with countries in the Global South without undermining its existing relationships with traditional development and financial partners.

The clarification follows public discussions earlier this week after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Ghana’s intention to formally apply to join the bloc during a visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

In a news release shared on social media on Friday, October 9, the ministry said the decision had received Cabinet approval and was intended to broaden Ghana’s international engagement.

“Honourable Ablakwa stressed that Ghana’s proposed membership would complement, rather than replace, its existing relationships with traditional development and financial partners,” the statement said.

India, a founding member of BRICS, has emerged as a potential strategic partner in Ghana’s bid.

According to the ministry, Ghana has formally sought India’s assistance in pursuing membership.

The Ministry noted that Dr Jaishankar expressed support for Ghana’s aspirations but noted that the application would ultimately require consideration by the existing BRICS members.

“India has always been sympathetic and supportive of Ghana’s aspirations and goals,” the ministry quoted the Indian minister as saying.

BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that seeks to strengthen economic, political and diplomatic cooperation among its members.

The bloc initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but has since expanded to include additional members.