Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has clarified that Ghana intends to join BRICS as a partner country rather than seek full membership immediately, describing the move as part of efforts to expand the country’s international partnerships.
Speaking on TV3’s The Key Points on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Mr Ablakwa said the decision was guided by Ghana’s national interests and its desire to strengthen cooperation with emerging economies.
He explained that the government considers BRICS a platform for consultation and collaboration on economic, regional and global issues.
The minister also dismissed concerns that Ghana’s move could damage its relationships with traditional Western partners, insisting that the decision aligns with the country’s longstanding foreign policy of non-alignment.
He cited Ghana’s history under its first President, Kwame Nkrumah, as an example of how the country has maintained relationships with nations holding different political and ideological positions.
During the Cold War, Ghana secured American support for the Akosombo Dam project while also pursuing cooperation with the Soviet Union in the development of its nuclear research programme.
Mr Ablakwa further disclosed that Ghana had engaged European Union member states before announcing its intention to pursue BRICS partner-country status.
According to him, the government explained its reasons for seeking to diversify the country’s diplomatic and development options.
BRICS comprises major emerging and developing economies, including Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa, alongside newer members such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.
Partner-country status allows participating countries to engage with the grouping without becoming full members. Ghana’s application, if approved, would place it in this category as the government seeks to broaden its economic and diplomatic relationships.
