Ghana’s foreign policy will not be dictated by other countries – Ablakwa

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has emphasized that Ghana's foreign policy will not be influenced by external forces. During an interview on JoyNews' Newsfile on October 17, Mr Ablakwa clarified that President John Dramani Mahama's administration is seeking to establish a partnership status with BRICS, rather than full membership.

He emphasized that this initiative aligns with the spirit of the Non-Aligned Movement, of which the country's first President, Dr Kwame Nkrumah, was a founding leader. Mr Ablakwa stressed that Ghana's foreign policy will always prioritize the nation's national interests, regardless of external opinions. He affirmed that while Ghana cherishes its relationship with the United States, Article 40 of the Constitution mandates that the government's foreign policy must be guided by its national interests.

The Minister highlighted that Ghana has been a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement since 1961, a fact attributed to Dr Nkrumah's efforts in rallying key leaders from India, Indonesia, and Yugoslavia. Ablakwa reiterated that Ghana's international partnerships are intended to serve the country's national interests and will not be dictated by other nations.

This stance emerged in response to criticisms surrounding the proposed BRICS partnership, which some viewed as potentially impacting Ghana's relations with the United States.