BRICS: Jinapor cautions Ghana against ‘free lunch’ as NPP demands scrutiny

Ranking member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has cautioned the government against the implications of Ghana joining BRICS, warning that the decision could have consequences for the nation's interests. While BRICS membership could provide new opportunities, Jinapor emphasized that the potential benefits should not be taken for granted.

The Damongo MP made these remarks on Joy FM’s Super Morning Show, following the Foreign Affairs Minister’s announcement that Cabinet had approved Ghana’s application to join the emerging economic bloc. Jinapor warned that Ghana’s foreign policy must prioritize the country’s national interests, stating that all foreign policy moves should serve the country well.

He acknowledged that joining BRICS could offer Ghana important benefits, such as expanding partnerships and accessing new funding sources. However, he insisted that Ghana must thoroughly examine the possible implications of the decision. Jinapor questioned whether Ghana would gain significant financial independence from the New Development Bank (NDB) of BRICS, pointing out that access to funding could come with conditions involving existing international institutions.

He urged Parliament to study the experiences of countries that have already joined BRICS, citing Ethiopia as an example. Ethiopia, while benefiting from NDB assistance and funding, has faced challenges related to its trade imbalance and increased imports from BRICS countries, particularly China. Jinapor urged Ghana to consider how its existing relationship with South Africa could impact its participation in the bloc, noting that Ghana-South Africa relations were currently strained.

He emphasized the need for more reflection on the government's decision to pursue BRICS membership, stressing that Ghana's non-alignment policy must also be considered.