Ghana to apply to join BRICS – Okudzeto Ablakwa

Ghana's Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has announced that the government has formally applied for Ghana's membership in BRICS, a grouping of emerging economies. The move is intended to broaden Ghana's international partnerships, create new economic opportunities, and enhance cooperation with countries in the Global South.

During a visit by India's External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Mr Ablakwa emphasized that India's membership in BRICS makes it a strategic ally in Ghana's application process. The Foreign Minister confirmed that the Ghanaian Cabinet has approved the membership decision, citing the potential benefits of diversifying economic and diplomatic partnerships within the Global South.

Mr Ablakwa highlighted ongoing collaboration between Ghana and India in various sectors, including railway development, pharmaceuticals, ICT, defense, agriculture, science, and technology. The two countries have signed two Memoranda of Understanding covering agriculture and science and technology. Dr Jaishankar emphasized that both nations face similar development challenges and can mutually benefit from sharing knowledge, expertise, and experience.

He noted that Ghana's initiatives such as Accra Reset, Feed Ghana, and One Million Coders have similarities with similar programs in India. Furthermore, the two nations have signed agreements related to agricultural research and training, as well as biodiversity. Dr Jaishankar also endorsed Ghana's active participation in the African Union and ECOWAS, while advocating for increased collaboration between Ghana and India at the United Nations, particularly regarding reforms to the UN Security Council.