Ghana Applies for BRICS Partner Country Status
Ghana is applying to join BRICS as a Partner Country to diversify strategic development options and increase cooperation within the Global South.
The Government of Ghana is applying to join BRICS as a Partner Country rather than seeking full membership. This decision, approved by the Ghanaian Cabinet, aims to diversify strategic development options and increase cooperation within the Global South framework without replacing existing relationships with traditional partners such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
Minister for Foreign Affairs Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated the move aligns with the national interest and Ghana's policy of non-alignment. To secure support for the bid, Ghana engaged with European Union member states and lobbied India, the current BRICS chair, during a visit by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. President John Mahama highlighted the strengthening economic ties, noting that exports to India have increased from $3 billion to $7 billion.
Ghana seeks to leverage its democratic stability and existing trade ties, as over 70 percent of its exports currently go to BRICS nations. However, the bid may face challenges regarding regional strategic influence due to Nigeria's existing status as a Partner Country.
