Ghana's government has secured Cabinet approval to formally apply for membership in the BRICS bloc, a move aimed at broadening the country's international partnerships and creating new opportunities for economic development. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision in Accra on Tuesday, October 6, 2026. The proposed membership is part of the Mahama administration's strategy to move Ghana beyond economic stabilization towards long-term transformative growth.
The decision to join BRICS is linked to the government's broader "new economy" agenda, built around seven pillars. The agenda seeks to attract investment, create jobs, promote industrialization, and ensure that Ghana derives greater value from its natural resources. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that joining BRICS does not mean Ghana is abandoning its existing development partners, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the World Bank, and African multilateral financial institutions.
Ghana intends to retain its longstanding relationships while establishing new partnerships with countries that can contribute to its economic transformation. Minister Ablakwa identified India, Brazil, and China as important partners for Ghana. He noted that trade between Ghana and India has increased significantly, from about $3 billion in 2024 to approximately $7 billion. China also remains a major economic player in Ghana.
Minister Ablakwa said greater engagement with BRICS countries would strengthen Ghana's cooperation with the Global South and support the government's objective of building a more productive and self-reliant economy. The government wants to promote "resource sovereignty" by ensuring that Ghana can participate more equally in the exploitation of its natural resources. This would involve adding value to Ghana's natural resources rather than exporting raw materials.
The Foreign Affairs Minister argued that having a wider range of international partners could create greater competition and give Ghana more room to determine its own development priorities. The government supports a multipolar international system in which countries have greater freedom to pursue development strategies suited to their circumstances. Preparations are underway for Ghana's formal application to join BRICS.
Minister Ablakwa disclosed that Ghana has formally sought India's support for its BRICS application. India's Minister of External Affairs, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, expressed understanding for Ghana's interest in joining the bloc. He described BRICS as a grouping of countries from diverse regions that value independence of thought and freedom of choice.
BRICS currently has 11 full members and serves as a platform for consultation and cooperation among member countries on global and regional political and economic issues. The bloc has expanded in recent years, with the admission of new members and partner countries. Ghana's application to join BRICS will require consideration by all existing members.
Key points
- Ghana's government has secured Cabinet approval to formally apply for membership in the BRICS bloc.
- The decision to join BRICS is linked to the government's broader "new economy" agenda.
- Ghana has formally sought India's support for its BRICS application.
