Ablakwa Cites Akufo-Addo-Era Report As Minority Questions Ghana’s BRICS Plans

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has challenged the parliamentary Minority to explain why it is questioning Ghana’s proposed BRICS membership when the previous Akufo-Addo administration also examined the possibility of joining the bloc.

Ablakwa said the former government had established a ministerial committee to study BRICS and had reached a conclusion similar to the position adopted by President John Dramani Mahama’s administration.

He made the remarks in response to concerns from the Minority following Cabinet’s approval for Ghana to formally apply to join the international grouping.

According to Ablakwa, a report produced under the Akufo-Addo government recommended that Ghana recognise the importance of BRICS and express interest in potentially joining the bloc.

Quoting from the report, he said: “It is recommended that Ghana acknowledge the importance of the vision that gave birth to BRICS and express prospective interest in joining the bloc.”

The minister argued that the Minority should acknowledge the previous administration’s assessment rather than criticise the current government without recognising that a similar option had been considered before.

He accused the opposition lawmakers of applying a double standard to the issue, insisting that the historical record showed the idea of BRICS membership was not exclusive to the Mahama administration.

However, the Minority has maintained that Ghana’s proposed application requires careful parliamentary scrutiny because of the possible economic and diplomatic consequences.

Samuel Abu Jinapor, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, acknowledged that joining BRICS could create opportunities for alternative financing and wider international partnerships. He cautioned, however, that membership could also carry implications for Ghana’s national interests.

Jinapor questioned why the government was pursuing full membership instead of considering an arrangement similar to Nigeria’s, which holds BRICS partner-country status and is a member of the New Development Bank.

He also called for Parliament to examine the financing conditions associated with the BRICS framework and assess whether membership would genuinely expand Ghana’s financial independence.

The Minority wants Ablakwa to brief Parliament on the government’s decision, including the proposed relationship with the bloc and the potential effects on Ghana’s economy and international standing.

BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa among its founding members and has expanded its membership in recent years. The grouping seeks to strengthen economic, political and diplomatic cooperation among participating countries.

The debate now centres on both the strategic opportunities Ghana could gain from closer engagement with BRICS and the safeguards needed to ensure any membership decision serves the country’s interests.

Source: https://3news.com/news/stop-the-double-standard-akufo-addo-govt-also-considered-brics-membership-ablakwa-tells-minority

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