Mahama explains Ghana’s BRICS bid, urges ambassadors to deliver results

President John Dramani Mahama has defended Ghana’s application to join the BRICS bloc, describing the move as part of a deliberate effort to expand the country’s development partnerships and strengthen South-South cooperation.

He said the proposed partnership was intended to create more opportunities for trade, investment, industrialisation and value addition while preserving Ghana’s longstanding relationships with traditional partners.

The President made the remarks at the Jubilee House in Accra on Friday, October 16, 2026, during the commissioning of Ghanaian ambassadors-designate to Angola, Qatar, Israel and the country’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations.

"Ghana's decision to apply for partnership with the BRICS countries reflects our determination to broaden our development partnerships and deepen South-South cooperation," he said.

"I explain this approach clearly as we seek wider opportunities for trade, investment and industrialisation and also value addition, while sustaining our longstanding relationships and working relations with our traditional partners," he added.

Mahama outlines expectations for envoys

Beyond explaining Ghana’s foreign policy direction, President Mahama charged the newly commissioned envoys to uphold the principles outlined in Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution.

The provision directs the state to protect and promote Ghana’s interests, respect international law and contribute to a fair and equitable international order through peaceful cooperation.

"Let Article 40 of our Constitution guide your conduct, promote and protect Ghana's interests, uphold international law and contribute to a just and equitable international order through peaceful cooperation," he stated.

He also stressed the importance of accountability and professionalism, noting that key performance indicators had been introduced for heads of mission to measure their performance and ensure responsible management of public resources.

"Your key performance indicators provide a framework for accountability. Take them seriously, set clear priorities for your mission, deploy public resources responsibly and ensure that progress can be demonstrated. The confidence placed in you must be matched by professional discipline and sound governance," he charged.

The President further urged the ambassadors to demonstrate fairness and respect in their leadership while maintaining the integrity of their offices and interactions with host countries, international institutions and Ghanaian citizens.

"Lead your staff with fairness and respect. Protect the integrity of your office and your dealings with your host countries, international institutions and our own citizens. Let your conduct reflect the dignity of the Republic of Ghana," he said.

Background to Ghana’s BRICS application

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, that Cabinet had approved Ghana’s formal application to join BRICS.

He made the announcement at a joint press briefing with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Ghana’s initial application is for Partner Country status, with the possibility of progressing to full membership depending on the results achieved.

BRICS has 11 full members: Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. The bloc expanded in 2024 and 2025, while 10 countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, hold partner status.

About 40 countries have expressed interest in joining the bloc, with 23 having formally submitted applications.

Mr Ablakwa has linked the move to President Mahama’s “New Economy” agenda, which seeks to shift Ghana from economic stabilisation towards transformative growth. The agenda is built around seven pillars, including job creation, investment, industrialisation and resource sovereignty.

According to the Foreign Affairs Minister, BRICS could provide Ghana with additional economic options, access to wider markets for value-added cocoa, gold and oil products, and opportunities to deepen cooperation with countries in the Global South.

He has maintained that the initiative is not intended to undermine Ghana’s existing international relationships.

"We are not going to walk away from our traditional partners who value that relationship, but we must have new friends. BRICS offers us that opportunity to have options in our development agenda," he said.

Mr Ablakwa has also reaffirmed Ghana’s commitment to the International Monetary Fund, the World Bank and African multilateral financial institutions. He cautioned that joining BRICS would not automatically guarantee loans or membership of the bloc’s New Development Bank.