Ghana is exploring the possibility of joining the BRICS bloc as the government seeks to widen its global economic alliances and attract fresh opportunities for national development.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said membership could complement Ghana’s economic transformation programme by deepening cooperation with emerging powers including India, Brazil and China.
Speaking on October 6 during Indian External Affairs Minister Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar’s official visit to Ghana, Mr Ablakwa said the country was shifting from economic stabilisation towards a broader transformation agenda.
He explained that Cabinet had endorsed seven key pillars under the government’s “new economy” strategy, designed to drive sustainable expansion and support the President’s economic vision.
Mr Ablakwa said possible BRICS membership would provide Ghana with additional development partners while maintaining its longstanding links with the International Monetary Fund, World Bank and African multilateral financial institutions.
He stressed that the move would not mean abandoning existing international relationships, but rather creating a wider range of options for financing and economic cooperation.
The minister highlighted India’s growing importance to Ghana, noting that bilateral trade had risen from about $3 billion in 2024 to nearly $7 billion.
He also identified China as another major economic partner, saying stronger engagement with BRICS countries could help Ghana generate employment, promote industrialisation and achieve lasting economic progress.
According to Mr Ablakwa, Ghana also wants greater control over its natural resources by processing raw materials domestically instead of continuing to export them in unprocessed form.
He said the country was seeking partnerships based on equality, shared interests and a common commitment to economic advancement.
BRICS began with Brazil, Russia, India and China, before South Africa joined the grouping.
The alliance has subsequently admitted additional countries as it seeks to strengthen economic and political collaboration among emerging economies.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong