The government of Ghana has approved a move to formally apply for membership in the BRICS grouping of major emerging economies. This decision was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on October 6, 2026. The application is part of Ghana's broader economic transformation agenda, aimed at diversifying the country's international partnerships and creating additional opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
Ghana's potential membership in BRICS is seen as a strategic move to boost the country's economic growth. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that BRICS membership would provide Ghana with more options in pursuing its development goals, while stressing that it would not mean abandoning the country's existing relationships with traditional development partners. The minister also highlighted Ghana's growing economic relationship with India, Brazil, and China.
India has expressed support for Ghana's aspirations to join BRICS. During an official visit to Ghana, India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, noted that membership would require consideration by the existing members of the grouping. Ghana's trade with India has increased significantly, from about $3 billion in 2024 to approximately $7 billion.
BRICS, which began as BRIC, comprises Brazil, Russia, India, and China. The grouping was formalized in 2006 and expanded to include South Africa in 2011, leading to the name BRICS. In January 2024, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates became members, followed by Indonesia in January 2025. The bloc currently has 11 full members and provides a platform for consultation and cooperation on political, economic, and other international issues.
In addition to Ghana, several other African countries have joined BRICS as member or partner countries. Egypt and Ethiopia became full members in January 2024, while Nigeria and Uganda joined as partner countries in January 2025. The partner-country arrangement provides countries with an avenue to participate in BRICS cooperation without becoming full members.
If Ghana's application is approved, it would become another African participant in the BRICS framework. The government has linked the proposed membership to its objectives of attracting investment, expanding trade, supporting industrialization, and adding value to Ghana's natural resources. However, membership is not automatic and will require collective consideration by BRICS members.
The BRICS grouping has established a partner-country category, with nine countries admitted as partners in January 2025, including Nigeria and Uganda. Ghana's potential membership would add another African country to the grouping's expanded partnership structure. The country's application represents an effort to widen its international economic and diplomatic engagement rather than a stated replacement of its existing partnerships.
Key points
- Ghana to apply for BRICS membership to boost trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
- India supports Ghana's aspirations to join BRICS, but membership requires consideration by existing members.
- Several African countries, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Nigeria, and Uganda, have joined BRICS as member or partner countries.
