The government of Ghana has approved a decision to submit a formal application to join the BRICS group, announced Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa during a visit by his Indian counterpart. This move aims to diversify Ghana's economic and diplomatic partnerships. Ablakwa stated that the cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided to pursue membership in the group.
The BRICS forum was established in 2009 to bring together major emerging economies, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The group has since expanded to include countries like Ethiopia, Iran, and Indonesia, which joined in 2024. Ghana's potential membership is seen as an effort to strengthen cooperation within the Global South.
According to Ablakwa, joining BRICS will provide Ghana with economic options, diversify its partnerships, and enhance cooperation within the Global South. He expressed these views during a joint press conference with Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The Indian minister stated that India supports Ghana's aspirations but emphasized that membership would require examination by all BRICS members.
The BRICS group currently comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. Ghana's bid to join the group is seen as a strategic move to expand its economic and diplomatic ties. The country's decision to seek membership reflects its desire to reduce dependence on traditional Western partners.
Ablakwa's announcement comes after a meeting with Jaishankar, who expressed India's support for Ghana's membership bid. However, the Indian minister also cautioned that the decision would require consensus among all BRICS members. The group's expansion has been a topic of discussion in recent years, with several countries expressing interest in joining.
Ghana's economy has faced challenges in recent years, including high inflation and a decline in economic growth. Joining BRICS could provide the country with access to new markets, investments, and economic opportunities. The move is also seen as a way for Ghana to assert its presence on the global economic stage.
The Ghanaian government's decision to seek BRICS membership reflects its commitment to diversifying economic partnerships and strengthening ties with emerging economies. The move is expected to have implications for the country's economic and diplomatic relationships in the region.
Key points
- Ghana has submitted a formal application to join the BRICS group to diversify its economic partnerships.
- The country's bid is supported by India, but requires examination by all BRICS members.
- Ghana's potential membership reflects its desire to strengthen cooperation with the Global South.
