Elvis Botah: Ghana's proposed engagement with BRICS; the need for an industrial strategy, not just diplomatic ambition

Ghana is seeking to join the BRICS group, a move that presents an opportunity for the country to reconsider its place in the changing global economic and geopolitical order. According to MyJoyOnline Ghana, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced on October 6, 2026, that Cabinet had decided to pursue membership, citing the objective of diversifying partnerships, widening economic opportunities, and deepening cooperation with the Global South.

The country's decision to apply to join BRICS is driven by a desire to reduce its dependence on traditional Western partners and broaden its strategic options. MyJoyOnline Ghana reports that Ghana's GDP is projected to be $114.2 billion in 2025, with 6.0 percent growth, and a population of 35.1 million. The BRICS group currently comprises 11 states, representing about 49 percent of the world's population, 39 percent of global GDP, and 23 percent of international trade.

Ghana's pursuit of BRICS membership is not driven by a desire to rewrite the international system, but rather to create more room to manoeuvre within it. According to MyJoyOnline Ghana, India has been approached to help Ghana navigate the application process. 3News notes that Ghana's decision to engage with BRICS presents an opportunity for the country to reconsider its place in the changing global economic and geopolitical order.

Brief written by urgent.news from 3News, MyJoyOnline Ghana — 2 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.