Ghana’s Cabinet has made a crucial decision to seek membership in the BRICS group, as announced by Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa on Wednesday. The country is set to formally initiate its application process for BRICS membership, drawing significant attention to its evolving foreign relations.

This announcement coincided with the visit of India’s External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, who is currently on a three-nation tour that includes Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, and Ethiopia. During his discussions with Ghana’s leadership, Jaishankar expressed India’s support, stating that New Delhi has been highly sympathetic to Ghana’s aspirations for BRICS membership.

Following their meetings, Jaishankar and Ablakwa addressed the media to highlight plans for enhancing the India-Ghana Comprehensive Partnership, emphasising the scope for cooperation in several key sectors, including healthcare and digital industries.

Ghana’s Objectives for Joining BRICS

Ablakwa explained that Ghana is pursuing BRICS membership to expand its international partnerships and diversify its development options. He highlighted the importance of maintaining relationships with traditional partners like the IMF and World Bank, while simultaneously fostering new alliances. “We want to have options,” he remarked, clarifying that this decision does not signify abandoning existing partners.

Moreover, Ghana aims to strengthen its economic ties with countries such as India, Brazil, and China, all of which have considerable trade and investment involvement in the nation. Ablakwa noted that Ghana’s trade with India has increased significantly, growing from approximately $3 billion in 2024 to an ambitious target of $7 billion.

According to Ablakwa, joining BRICS would provide Ghana with enhanced avenues to transform its economy, generate employment, and promote resource sovereignty. He aligned this aspiration with President John Dramani Mahama’s foreign policy framework, which advocates for a multipolar world and shared interests.

Jaishankar’s Remarks on Bilateral Relations

Jaishankar reaffirmed India’s commitment to supporting Ghana’s ambitions, highlighting the importance of BRICS as a collective of nations that value independence and freedom of choice. He acknowledged that the objectives of BRICS resonate worldwide, stating that the matter of Ghana’s application would require consideration by existing member countries.

In discussions on bilateral cooperation, Jaishankar outlined areas where India and Ghana are looking to expand their collaboration, which includes pharmaceuticals, healthcare, defence, and infrastructure. “We have established a comprehensive partnership and must explore new areas of cooperation,” he noted. The two nations have also signed several agreements targeting agricultural research and biodiversity.

It aims to enhance shared development solutions. Investing in sectors such as pharmaceuticals and renewable energy, Indian businesses have been increasingly active in Ghana, reflecting a thriving economic partnership. Jaishankar also underscored the necessity for both countries to advocate for reforms in the United Nations, particularly regarding the Security Council.

He emphasised that as Global South partners, India and Ghana should collaborate to strengthen their voices of independence and advocate for strategic autonomy in the global arena. In summary, Ghana’s formal application for BRICS membership represents a significant step towards broadening its strategic and economic partnerships, with India backing its efforts while planning to enhance cooperation across multiple sectors.

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