Ghana set to join BRICS, foreign minister reveals

Ghana’s cabinet has approved plans to formally apply for membership of BRICS as the West African nation seeks to broaden its economic and diplomatic partnerships.

Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision on Tuesday during a visit by Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

According to PUNCH, Ghana has already sought India’s backing for its application.

“The Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided that Ghana should put in a formal application to join BRICS,” Ablakwa said.

“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 added.

Jaishankar said India supported Ghana’s aspirations but noted that its membership would require consideration by the wider BRICS grouping.

wBRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later. The bloc has since expanded to include countries such as Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.