Ghana has decided to formally apply to join BRICS, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.
Mr Ablakwa said the decision, approved by the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama, is intended to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships, expand economic opportunities and strengthen cooperation with countries in the Global South.
He made the announcement during the official visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Ghana.
According to Mr Ablakwa, India’s membership of BRICS makes it a strategic partner in Ghana’s bid, and the government has already sought India’s support with the application process.
“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,” he said.
He explained that joining the bloc would give Ghana greater economic options, broaden its international partnerships and create opportunities for stronger South-South cooperation.
Mr Ablakwa also announced plans for Ghana and India to deepen collaboration in key areas including railway development, pharmaceuticals, ICT, defence, agriculture, science and technology.
The two countries have signed Memoranda of Understanding covering agriculture and science and technology, as part of efforts to strengthen their comprehensive partnership.
Dr Jaishankar said Ghana and India were exploring stronger cooperation in pharmaceuticals, health, mining, defence, railways and digital technology.
He noted that the two countries faced similar development challenges and could benefit from sharing knowledge and experience.
Dr Jaishankar cited Ghana’s Accra Reset, Feed Ghana and One Million Coders initiatives as areas with parallels in India, highlighting opportunities for both countries to learn from each other.
Ghana and India have also signed agreements on agricultural research and training, as well as biodiversity.
Dr Jaishankar further welcomed Ghana’s role in the African Union and ECOWAS and called for closer cooperation between the two countries at the United Nations, including efforts to reform the UN Security Council.
