Ghana has taken steps toward joining the BRICS bloc as the government seeks to expand its economic and diplomatic partnerships beyond its traditional allies.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Tuesday that Ghana’s Cabinet had approved plans for the country to formally apply for membership of the group of emerging economies.
Ablakwa made the disclosure during a meeting with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, and said Ghana had already requested India’s support for its application.
“The Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided that Ghana should put in a formal application to join BRICS,” Ablakwa told reporters.
He said membership would provide Ghana with additional economic opportunities and strengthen its engagement with countries across the Global South.
“Joining India in BRICS will give us economic options, will diversify our base and our partnerships, and will also allow us to have more cooperation within the global south framework,” he said.
BRICS was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China before South Africa joined in 2009. The grouping has since expanded, with countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joining or being included in the bloc’s expanded membership.
Jaishankar welcomed Ghana’s interest in joining, but noted that the application would ultimately have to be considered by the broader BRICS membership.
Ghana’s move comes as countries across the Global South increasingly seek greater economic cooperation and alternative partnerships in international trade, investment and diplomacy.
If accepted, Ghana would become another African member of the expanded BRICS grouping and gain access to a forum that represents some of the world’s major emerging economies.
