Ghana has decided to formally apply for membership in the BRICS grouping as part of its efforts to diversify the country's international partnerships and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, made this disclosure in Accra during a two-day official visit by India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. This move aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's vision of building a resilient and transformative economy.
According to Mr. Ablakwa, Cabinet has approved the decision to pursue Ghana's membership in BRICS, describing it as a strategic step to strengthen Ghana's engagement with the Global South and provide the country with more options in pursuing its development agenda. He emphasized that Ghana's application does not mean the country will abandon its traditional development partners, but rather seeks to broaden its international partnerships. This decision is intended to promote sustainable economic growth, create jobs, and industrialize the country.
Mr. Ablakwa highlighted that Ghana wants to add value to its natural resources and work with partners who share similar commitments. He noted that the country maintains strong relations with the original BRICS members - Brazil, Russia, India, and China - as well as other members of the expanded grouping, and will engage them to seek support for its application. This move is expected to provide Ghana with more options in its development agenda and promote resource sovereignty.
India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, welcomed Ghana's interest in joining BRICS, stating that the decision will require consideration by the grouping collectively. He expressed India's support for Ghana's aspirations and goals, noting that the message of BRICS would resonate in different parts of the world. Dr. Jaishankar emphasized that BRICS brings together countries with a strong belief in independence of thought and freedom of choice.
Dr. Jaishankar explained that cooperation among diverse countries can strengthen their collective voice. He noted that the recent BRICS summit in New Delhi was successful and that Ghana's interest in joining the grouping is understandable. The announcement on BRICS formed part of wider discussions between Ghana and India aimed at deepening the two countries' newly established comprehensive partnership.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs emphasized that Ghana's application to join BRICS is not a rejection of its traditional development partners, but rather a desire to broaden its international partnerships. He noted that Ghana wants an economic growth that is sustainable, creates jobs, and industrializes the country. This move is expected to promote Ghana's development agenda and provide the country with more options in pursuing its economic goals.
The discussions between Ghana and India are expected to strengthen the two countries' comprehensive partnership and promote cooperation in various areas. The visit by Dr. Jaishankar and the announcement on BRICS highlight the growing relations between Ghana and India. Key aspects of the partnership include promoting sustainable economic growth, industrialization, and resource sovereignty.
Key points
- Ghana has decided to formally apply for BRICS membership to diversify its international partnerships and create new opportunities for trade, investment, and economic cooperation.
- The decision to join BRICS aligns with President John Dramani Mahama's vision of building a resilient and transformative economy.
- Ghana's application to join BRICS does not mean the country will abandon its traditional development partners, but rather seeks to broaden its international partnerships.
