Ablakwa Clarifies Ghana’s BRICS Membership Plans

Ghana’s Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, has clarified that the country is not seeking full membership of BRICS but intends to apply for Partner Country status. According to a report by Graphic Online on October 11, 2026, the minister made this clarification during an interview on TV3’s The Key Points programme, where he explained the government’s position on the proposed partnership.

Mr Ablakwa explained that Ghana already maintains strong diplomatic and economic relations with BRICS member countries. He noted that the decision is intended to strengthen these relationships and create additional opportunities for cooperation with countries that share common interests. He added that the government’s priority is to protect Ghana’s national interests in line with Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution.

BRICS brings together major emerging economies and developing countries, including Brazil, China, India, Russia, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. According to the minister, the partnership would provide Ghana with a platform to consult and cooperate with these countries on important global and regional issues.

The Foreign Affairs Minister also dismissed concerns that Ghana’s decision could affect its relations with traditional international partners. He explained that the move reflects the country’s longstanding policy of non-alignment, which allows Ghana to maintain diplomatic relations with different global powers while pursuing its development priorities.

To illustrate this position, Mr Ablakwa referred to Ghana’s first President, Kwame Nkrumah, who maintained relations with both Western and Eastern powers during the Cold War. He also disclosed that Ghana had engaged member states of the European Union before announcing its intention to seek BRICS Partner Country status, explaining the reasons behind the decision.

If Ghana’s application succeeds, the country will join other BRICS Partner Countries, including Malaysia, Nigeria, Uganda and Vietnam. The proposed partnership could expand Ghana’s economic and diplomatic opportunities while allowing it to maintain existing international relationships. The government’s position, as explained by Mr Ablakwa, is that the move is intended to diversify Ghana’s strategic options for development rather than abandon its traditional partners.

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