Ghana is preparing to formally seek membership of BRICS as the government moves to broaden the country’s international alliances, expand economic possibilities and deepen cooperation with emerging economies across the Global South.
The Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed that the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama had taken the decision to initiate Ghana’s application to join the influential grouping of emerging economies.
Mr Ablakwa explained that the proposed membership forms part of a wider strategy to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships and create additional channels for economic collaboration, investment and diplomatic engagement beyond the country’s traditional partners.
He made the disclosure during the official visit to Ghana by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, whose presence in Accra has provided an opportunity for both countries to strengthen their already expanding bilateral relationship.
According to Mr Ablakwa, India’s position within BRICS makes New Delhi an important strategic partner in Ghana’s proposed application. He disclosed that Ghana had already engaged the Indian government for assistance with the application process and was optimistic that India would provide the necessary support.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said Ghana believed membership of BRICS could provide the country with additional economic options, broaden its network of international relationships and create greater opportunities for South South cooperation.
He explained that Ghana’s interest was not merely about joining another international grouping but about positioning the country to benefit from new avenues for trade, investment, technology transfer, development cooperation and diplomatic engagement.
The announcement coincides with renewed efforts by Ghana and India to strengthen cooperation in several important sectors.
Mr Ablakwa said the two countries were exploring deeper collaboration in railway development, pharmaceutical production, information and communication technology, defence, agriculture, science and technology.
As part of the strengthening relationship, Ghana and India have also signed two Memoranda of Understanding relating to agriculture as well as science and technology.
Dr Jaishankar said India was prepared to expand its partnership with Ghana in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, defence, railway development and digital technology.
He observed that Ghana and India face a number of comparable development challenges and could therefore gain significantly from sharing technical knowledge, institutional experience and expertise.
He further noted that several Ghanaian development initiatives have similarities with programmes implemented in India, including the Accra Reset, Feed Ghana and One Million Coders initiatives.
The two countries have additionally reached agreements concerning agricultural research and training as well as biodiversity.
Dr Jaishankar welcomed Ghana’s active participation in the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States and called for closer coordination between Accra and New Delhi at the United Nations.
He also advocated stronger cooperation on efforts to reform the United Nations Security Council, signalling an intention by both countries to deepen their strategic engagement on international governance and the interests of the Global South.
