Ghana formally applies to join BRICS- Ablakwa

Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has revealed that President John Dramani Mahama's Cabinet has approved a decision for Ghana to formally apply for membership in BRICS.

Ablakwa made the major foreign policy announcement during the official two-day state visit of India's External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Accra.

He explained that joining the economic alliance of major emerging economies aims to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships, broaden market access, and deepen Global South economic cooperation.

“The major highlight, which I am disclosing to the Ghanaian people for the first time, is that the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided that Ghana will be joining BRICS,” Ablakwa stated during a joint press briefing.

He noted that Ghana has formally approached India for diplomatic assistance and strategic backing during the BRICS membership application process.

Ablakwa emphasized that collaborating closely with India within BRICS will unlock new economic opportunities and expand bilateral trade foundations for Ghana.

During the diplomatic visit, Ghana and India elevated their bilateral relationship into a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signing two new Memoranda of Understanding in agriculture, science, and technology.

Dr. Jaishankar welcomed the deepening cooperation, expressing India’s interest in expanding technical investments in pharmaceuticals, healthcare, mining, defence, digital infrastructure, and railway development.

The Indian Minister highlighted strategic parallels between Ghana's national economic programs—such as the Accra Reset and Feed Ghana initiatives—and India's domestic development models.

Foreign ministry officials confirmed that both nations have also agreed to align positions on reforms to the United Nations Security Council and strengthen multi-lateral trade frameworks.