Jinapor cautions government over potential risks and benefits of Ghana joining BRICS

Ranking Member of Parliament, Samuel Abu Jinapor, has warned the government to thoroughly evaluate the potential risks and benefits of Ghana joining BRICS. Jinapor, while acknowledging the possible advantages such as access to funding and diversified partnerships, cautioned that the move could have implications for the country's national interest.

He expressed concern over the need for Ghana's foreign policy to primarily serve the country's national interest, stating that no foreign policy move is beneficial if it does not serve national interest. Jinapor noted that the government's claim of new funding sources such as the New Development Bank (NDB) needs further scrutiny, questioning whether Ghana would achieve financial independence if access to such funding came with conditions related to other international institutions.

He also urged Parliament to examine the impact of increased economic and political influence from major BRICS countries like China and Russia, citing Ethiopia's experience as an example of both benefits and challenges. Jinapor further questioned how Ghana's current relationship with South Africa, a founding member of BRICS, would affect its participation in the bloc, as the country's bilateral relationship with South Africa is currently poor.

He emphasized the need for more reflection on this move, stressing that while Ghana's policy of non-alignment should be considered, diversifying partnerships could come with adverse implications for Ghana's national interest.