Ghana is set to formally apply for membership in the BRICS grouping of emerging economies, as part of a broader strategy to diversify its international partnerships and expand economic opportunities. The decision was taken by the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama, with the aim of deepening cooperation with emerging economies across the Global South. This move is expected to create additional channels for economic collaboration, investment, and diplomatic engagement beyond Ghana's traditional partners.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that Ghana had already engaged the Indian government for assistance with the application process and was optimistic about receiving support from New Delhi. India's position within BRICS makes it an important strategic partner in Ghana's proposed application. During the official visit to Ghana by India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, both countries explored ways to strengthen their expanding bilateral relationship.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, membership in BRICS could provide Ghana with additional economic options, broaden its network of international relationships, and create greater opportunities for South-South cooperation. Ghana's interest in joining BRICS is not merely about joining another international grouping but about positioning the country to benefit from new avenues for trade, investment, technology transfer, development cooperation, and diplomatic engagement.
The announcement coincides with renewed efforts by Ghana and India to strengthen cooperation in several important sectors, including railway development, pharmaceutical production, information and communication technology, defense, agriculture, and science and technology. As part of the strengthening relationship, Ghana and India have signed two Memoranda of Understanding relating to agriculture and science and technology.
Dr. Jaishankar said India was prepared to expand its partnership with Ghana in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, defense, railway development, and digital technology. He observed that Ghana and India face a number of comparable development challenges and could therefore gain significantly from sharing technical knowledge, institutional experience, and expertise.
The two countries have reached agreements concerning agricultural research and training, as well as biodiversity. Dr. Jaishankar welcomed Ghana's active participation in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States and called for closer coordination between Accra and New Delhi at the United Nations. This strengthened partnership is expected to foster greater cooperation and collaboration between the two nations.
The deepening relationship between Ghana and India is seen as a significant step towards enhancing cooperation between the two countries and promoting South-South cooperation. With Ghana's formal application to join BRICS underway, the country is poised to expand its international partnerships and explore new economic opportunities. The government's efforts to diversify Ghana's international partnerships are expected to yield positive results in the coming months.
Key points
- Ghana initiates formal process to join BRICS to diversify international partnerships and expand economic opportunities.
- India offers support for Ghana's BRICS application and proposes cooperation in various sectors.
- Ghana and India strengthen bilateral relationship with agreements in agriculture, science, and technology.
