Cabinet approves Ghana’s plan to seek BRICS membership – Ablakwa

The government has approved Ghana’s plan to seek membership of BRICS, paving the way for the country to formally begin the application process.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the Cabinet decision on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during a joint press briefing with India’s Foreign Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, in Accra.

Mr. Ablakwa said the decision forms part of the government’s efforts to broaden Ghana’s international partnerships and create more options for advancing its economic transformation agenda.

“BRICS offers us that opportunity to have options in development agenda, you want to have options,” he said.

He stressed that the move does not mean Ghana is abandoning its existing international partners.

“We value that relationship, but we must have new friends, and we must also begin to look at our historical partners like India, Brazil, China, already these are countries that we have enormous trade and investment engagements with,” Ablakwa said.

He said the decision also aligns with the government’s ambition to move Ghana beyond economic stabilisation towards sustainable growth, industrialisation and job creation.

“So this is an important partner, and you know China, it’s also a very major economic player in our country. And so BRICS gives us that opportunity to transform this economy, and to align with the President’s vision, with the transformative agenda,” he said.

According to Ablakwa, Ghana’s next step will be to formally submit its application and seek the backing of existing BRICS members.

He expressed confidence in Ghana’s prospects, citing the country’s diplomatic relations with both the founding and newer members of the bloc.

For his part, Dr. Jaishankar said India remained supportive of Ghana’s aspirations but noted that the membership bid would have to go through the necessary consideration.

“We have always been very sympathetic and supportive of Ghana’s aspirations and goals. Obviously, this is an issue of collective consideration. So we have to see how that goes forward,” he said.

BRICS was initially established by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The grouping has since expanded to include additional members and partner countries.

Ghana’s Cabinet approval does not amount to admission into BRICS.

It gives the government the green light to formally pursue membership, which remains subject to consideration and acceptance by existing members.