Ghana approves formal application to join BRICS

Ghana's government has officially approved the country's application to join the BRICS economic alliance, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa. The decision comes as part of a broader strategy to boost Ghana's economic development, with plans already underway to submit the formal application to BRICS members, the Ghana News Agency reported.

Ablakwa highlighted that the membership would create new economic opportunities, including investment, job creation, industrialization, and increased value addition to the country's natural resources. He emphasized that such cooperation would complement Ghana's existing international partnerships while expanding its development options.

"BRICS offers us that opportunity to have options in development," Ablakwa explained. The minister specifically identified India, Brazil, and China as key economic partners, noting the significant growth in trade between Ghana and India. Trade volumes had more than doubled in recent years, rising from around US$3 billion in 2024 to approximately US$7 billion.

Ghana is also looking to leverage closer ties with BRICS nations to develop domestic processing industries and enhance the economic benefits derived from the country's natural resources. The government has already reached out to India for support regarding its accession bid. Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was in Accra at the time, expressed support for Ghana's aspirations, stressing that membership decisions would require collective consideration by all BRICS countries.

"Obviously, this is an issue of collective consideration. So we have to see how that goes forward," Jaishankar stated. Ghana's move to seek BRICS membership underscores its commitment to strengthening economic cooperation with emerging economies and broadening its participation in international development initiatives.