Ghana has taken steps toward joining BRICS, the influential grouping of emerging economies, as the government seeks to broaden the country’s international partnerships and create new opportunities for economic growth.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that President John Dramani Mahama’s government has decided to formally pursue Ghana’s membership of BRICS.
According to Mr Ablakwa, joining the bloc would help Ghana diversify its economic and diplomatic relationships while strengthening cooperation with countries in the Global South.
Ghana Seeks India’s Support for BRICS Membership
Mr Ablakwa made the announcement during the official visit to Ghana by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.
He explained that India’s membership of BRICS makes the country an important strategic partner in Ghana’s bid to join the organisation.
The Foreign Affairs Minister disclosed that the Ghanaian government has already engaged India to seek assistance with the application process and expressed confidence that New Delhi would support Ghana’s ambitions.
He said Ghana’s potential BRICS membership could provide the country with additional economic options and expand its network of international partners.
Ghana Eyes Greater Cooperation with Global South
The government believes BRICS membership could strengthen Ghana’s participation in South-South cooperation and provide new avenues for trade, investment, technology transfer and economic development.
The move comes as Ghana and India work to deepen their bilateral relations across several strategic sectors.
The two countries are exploring expanded cooperation in railway development, pharmaceuticals, information and communication technology (ICT), defence, agriculture, science and technology.
Ghana and India have also signed two Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering agriculture as well as science and technology.
Ghana-India Economic Partnership
Dr Jaishankar said India is keen to strengthen its partnership with Ghana in key sectors including healthcare, pharmaceuticals, mining, defence, railways and digital technology.
He noted that Ghana and India face some similar development challenges and could benefit from greater exchange of expertise, knowledge and experience.
The Indian minister also identified similarities between Ghana’s Accra Reset, Feed Ghana and One Million Coders programmes and development initiatives being implemented in India.
Additional agreements have been reached between the two countries in areas including agricultural research, training and biodiversity, further expanding the Ghana-India partnership.
Ghana and India Seek Stronger Global Cooperation
Dr Jaishankar also welcomed Ghana’s active role in the African Union (AU) and Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
He called for closer cooperation between Ghana and India at the United Nations, particularly on issues affecting developing countries.
India also expressed support for stronger coordination on proposed United Nations Security Council reforms, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
Ghana’s planned move to join BRICS signals the government’s broader strategy to diversify the country’s foreign policy, international trade partnerships and economic opportunities, while strengthening ties with emerging economies and countries across the Global South.
Source: newsthemegh.com