Ghana is formally seeking membership in the BRICS economic bloc, a decision recently approved by its Cabinet. The announcement was made by Ghanaian Foreign Minister Sam Okudzeto Ablakwa during a visit to Accra by India's External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Ghana's Drive for Diversified Partnerships
Accra's move to join BRICS reflects a strategic effort to broaden its international partnerships and secure more options for its national development agenda. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that this pursuit of new alliances does not signify a departure from existing traditional partners but rather an expansion of Ghana's global engagement.
Ghana aims to deepen its ties with key BRICS members such as India, Brazil, and China, with whom it already shares substantial trade and investment relationships. Ablakwa highlighted the significant growth in trade between Ghana and India, which more than doubled from approximately $3 billion in 2024 and is now targeted to reach $7 billion.
The West African nation believes that BRICS membership could significantly support its economic transformation efforts, including job creation and industrialization. Furthermore, Ghana seeks to advance an agenda of resource sovereignty and collaborate with countries that share these interests, aligning with President John Dramani Mahama's vision for a multipolar world.
India's Stance and BRICS Expansion
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed India's supportive stance regarding Ghana's aspirations. "Where we are concerned, we have always been very sympathetic and supportive of Ghana's aspirations and hopes," Jaishankar stated, while noting that any admission would require collective consideration and approval from all existing BRICS members.
The BRICS bloc currently comprises 11 full members: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Indonesia, which joined in January 2025. Ghana's application will now seek the backing of these nations.
Broader India-Ghana Cooperation
Minister Jaishankar's visit to Ghana also focused on strengthening the comprehensive partnership between the two countries. Discussions centered on expanding cooperation into new sectors, including pharmaceuticals and healthcare, mining, defence, railways, and digital technologies.
Jaishankar noted the active involvement of Indian companies in Ghana, citing recent investment commitments in pharmaceuticals, medical services, poultry, and renewable energy. Both nations expressed a desire to elevate their long-standing partnership and collaborate as Global South partners to promote resilience, inclusive growth, and reforms within the United Nations, including its Security Council.