Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has defended Ghana’s decision to formally apply for membership of BRICS, saying the government is seeking to expand the country’s international partnerships while maintaining existing relationships.
Mr Ablakwa said the decision, approved by Cabinet, was part of efforts to diversify Ghana’s economic and diplomatic partnerships and create more options for development cooperation.
He made the remarks following the working visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Ghana.
In a statement on Wednesday, October 7, Mr Ablakwa said the government was committed to positioning Ghana as “a reliable friend of all” while expanding its geopolitical and economic frontiers based on the country’s national interest and freedom of choice in an evolving multipolar world.
“The Government of Ghana is determined to position Ghana as a reliable friend of all as we expand our geopolitical and economic frontiers anchored fundamentally on our national interest and the freedom of choice in this fast evolving multipolar world,” he wrote on X.
Mr Ablakwa has previously said joining BRICS would give Ghana additional options for development financing and international cooperation without requiring the country to abandon its traditional partners.
Ghana is expected to formally submit its application and seek the support of existing BRICS members. India has expressed support for Ghana’s aspirations, although Dr Jaishankar noted that membership would ultimately require consideration by the wider bloc.
BRICS currently has 11 full members — Brazil, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iran, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa and the United Arab Emirates. Indonesia became a full member in January 2025.
Mr Ablakwa also highlighted the deepening bilateral relationship between Ghana and India, saying the two countries had agreed to expand cooperation in several sectors.
He said Ghana and India had committed to additional railway projects following the completion of the Indian-financed Tema-Mpakadan railway.
India is also expected to increase investments in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector as the government seeks to expand local pharmaceutical production, he said.
“We are also deepening cooperation in digital technology and AI. I am equally glad that we have initiated negotiations on a Defence Cooperation Agreement to be completed early next year,” Mr Ablakwa said.
He added that Ghana and India had signed agreements on scientific research collaboration and agricultural cooperation during Dr Jaishankar’s visit.
Mr Ablakwa further said Ghana would work with India next year, when Ghana assumes the chairmanship of the African Union, to develop an Africa-India strategy ahead of the next Africa-India summit.
He described the growing relationship between the two countries as part of a broader Ghana-India partnership built on longstanding historical and diplomatic ties.
By:Rachael Djabakie