Ghana applies for BRICS partnership as Russia pledges support

The government of Ghana, under President John Dramani Mahama, has officially applied to join the BRICS bloc as a partner country. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that the Cabinet approved the decision to seek membership to diversify Ghana’s international economic partnerships and deepen engagement with the Global South.

During the Russia-Africa Summit, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov expressed strong support for Ghana’s application. Lavrov pledged to lobby the founding members of the BRICS bloc to secure a consensus for Ghana’s admission. Minister Ablakwa emphasized that while pursuing these new economic avenues, Ghana will maintain its longstanding foreign policy of non-alignment.

While the move offers potential for increased trade, investment, and development financing, experts warn that domestic challenges must be addressed. Concerns have been raised regarding corruption and irregularities in public financial management, which could undermine the benefits of such international partnerships. Additionally, analysts suggest Ghana must manage trade imbalances to ensure the relationship strengthens domestic productive capacity rather than merely increasing imports.