Ghana moves to join BRICS as cabinet approves membership bid

Ghana has taken steps towards joining BRICS after the country’s cabinet approved a decision to formally apply for membership of the geopolitical and economic bloc.

Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed the development on Tuesday during a meeting with his Indian counterpart.

Ablakwa said Ghana had already requested India’s support for its application to join the bloc.

According to the minister, the move is part of Ghana’s efforts to expand and diversify its economic and diplomatic partnerships with countries and emerging global groupings.

He said seeking membership of BRICS would provide Ghana with an opportunity to strengthen its engagement with major emerging economies and broaden its international economic relations.

BRICS initially comprised Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, but has expanded in recent years to include several other countries as the group seeks to increase cooperation among emerging economies and strengthen its influence in global affairs.

“The Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided that Ghana should put in a formal application to join BRICS,” Ablakwa told reporters, speaking alongside India’s external affairs minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

The group of emerging economies — founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China — has expanded in recent years, focusing on bringing together countries in the global south.

South Africa joined shortly after its 2009 founding, while countries such as Ethiopia, Iran and Indonesia have joined since 2024.

“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.

Jaishankar said India was supportive of Ghana’s aspirations but stressed that membership would require consideration by the wider BRICS grouping.

Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are also members.

AFP

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