International affairs analyst Prince Anuwar-Sadat Amadu has called on the Ghanaian government to ensure that the country's bid to join BRICS is guided by national interests, economic analysis, and strategic diplomatic considerations. He emphasized that while membership could bring economic and diplomatic benefits, it should not be seen as an automatic solution to Ghana's economic challenges. Amadu's comments come as Ghana considers joining the BRICS grouping, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
Amadu noted that the principles underpinning BRICS are rooted in earlier efforts by developing countries to secure greater representation in international affairs. He cited the 1955 Bandung Conference, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Group of 77 as examples of this trend. BRICS, he said, reflects the growing influence of emerging economies in a multipolar international system. The term BRIC was coined in 2001 by Goldman Sachs economist Jim O'Neill to describe the economic potential of Brazil, Russia, India, and China.
Amadu cautioned that Ghana must consider the differences in economic power, technological capacity, and negotiating influence between smaller economies and larger emerging powers within BRICS. He identified potential benefits of membership, including trade diversification, foreign direct investment, and infrastructure financing. However, he stressed that membership would not automatically provide financial assistance or guarantee economic growth. Amadu also distinguished between joining BRICS and becoming a member of the New Development Bank.
Amadu emphasized that Ghana's dependence on exporting primary commodities while importing higher-value manufactured goods remains a concern. He argued that diversifying trading partners would not address the structural weaknesses of the economy. Instead, Ghana should use expanded international partnerships to strengthen domestic industrialization, improve technological capacity, and increase local value addition. Amadu cited gold, cocoa, and other natural resources as commodities from which Ghana could derive greater benefits through local processing and industrial development.
Amadu also considered the diplomatic implications of Ghana's potential BRICS membership. He noted that Ghana's foreign policy has traditionally emphasized non-alignment, Pan-Africanism, and multilateral cooperation. Amadu advocated for an approach based on strategic autonomy and multi-alignment, allowing Ghana to deepen relations with BRICS members without undermining its cooperation with existing development partners.
On the legal implications of membership, Amadu referred to Articles 40, 73, and 75 of the 1992 Constitution, which address aspects of Ghana's international relations and the treatment of international agreements. He called for transparency about the obligations Ghana might assume, including financial commitments and institutional arrangements. Amadu also emphasized the need for parliamentary oversight and public accountability, particularly where public funds or legally binding commitments are involved.
Amadu questioned the government's apparent change in position on BRICS membership, recalling that President John Dramani Mahama had indicated in June 2026 that joining BRICS was not under consideration. In October 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Cabinet's decision to pursue membership. Amadu urged the government to disclose the strategic and economic considerations behind the decision and provide evidence-based justification for the policy shift.
Key points
- The Ghanaian government must prioritize national interests, economic analysis, and strategic diplomacy in its bid to join BRICS.
- Membership of BRICS does not automatically guarantee financial assistance or economic growth.
- The success of Ghana's engagement with BRICS should be assessed by whether it helps the country produce and export more competitive, value-added goods.
