“Akufo-Addo Also Considered BRICS Membership” – Ablakwa Fires Back at NPP Minority

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has criticised the New Patriotic Party (NPP) Minority in Parliament over its opposition to Ghana’s move towards joining the BRICS bloc, claiming that the previous administration under former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo had also considered the possibility before leaving office.

Ablakwa’s remarks have brought renewed attention to the political debate surrounding Ghana’s proposed engagement with BRICS, an international grouping comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, alongside other member countries admitted in recent years.

According to the minister, the position taken by the NPP Minority contradicts considerations made during Akufo-Addo’s administration. He has therefore questioned why members of the opposition are criticising the current government’s approach when, he claims, a similar option had been explored under their own leadership.

The disagreement comes amid broader discussions about Ghana’s foreign policy priorities, international partnerships and the country’s efforts to strengthen economic cooperation with emerging economies.

Supporters of closer engagement with BRICS argue that the bloc could provide opportunities for trade, investment, infrastructure development and access to alternative sources of financing. They also contend that expanding Ghana’s international partnerships could help the country diversify its economic relationships.

However, critics may raise concerns about the implications of membership, including the need to assess the economic benefits, diplomatic considerations and potential consequences for Ghana’s existing international relationships.

Ablakwa’s comments have shifted part of the debate towards the consistency of the opposition’s position and whether Ghana’s engagement with BRICS should be treated as a national strategic issue rather than a matter of partisan competition.

The claim that Akufo-Addo considered joining the bloc before leaving office remains an important point in the dispute and would benefit from supporting documentation or statements from officials who served in the previous administration.

Ultimately, the debate highlights the need for clear explanations from both sides regarding the potential benefits, obligations and risks associated with Ghana’s proposed engagement with BRICS.

As discussions continue, the government’s case for pursuing the initiative and the opposition’s objections are likely to remain part of the wider national conversation about Ghana’s economic diplomacy and international partnerships.

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