President John Dramani Mahama has credited the previous administration of former President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo with initiating Ghana’s efforts to become a partner country of the BRICS economic bloc.
The President explained that Ghana’s decision to pursue a partnership with BRICS is in line with the country’s longstanding foreign policy of non-alignment and does not represent a shift away from its established diplomatic principles.
Speaking during a meet-the-press engagement at Jubilee House on Thursday, November 5, 2026, President Mahama disclosed that a ministerial committee established under the Akufo-Addo-led New Patriotic Party (NPP) administration had recommended that Ghana seek partnership status with the international bloc.
According to him, the committee completed its work and submitted its recommendations to Cabinet before the National Democratic Congress (NDC) government assumed office.
Akufo-Addo Government Initiated Ghana’s BRICS Partnership Process
President Mahama clarified that his administration did not establish the ministerial committee responsible for recommending Ghana’s BRICS partnership bid.
Instead, the current government inherited the proposal from the previous administration and subsequently reviewed it before making a decision.
He stated that the ministerial committee was established under Akufo-Addo’s government and had already recommended that Ghana pursue closer cooperation with the BRICS alliance.
The President emphasised that the proposal was therefore not an entirely new initiative introduced by the current NDC administration.
Mahama Explains Why Government Approved BRICS Partnership
President Mahama further disclosed that after assuming office, his administration presented the inherited recommendation for consideration by Cabinet.
Following deliberations, Cabinet concluded that securing BRICS partnership status would be beneficial to Ghana and approved the proposal.
He maintained that the government considered the initiative worthwhile and consistent with Ghana’s broader international relations and economic diplomacy objectives.
The President’s explanation provides further clarification about the background and political origins of Ghana’s decision to strengthen its engagement with the BRICS bloc.
Ghana’s BRICS Partnership and Non-Aligned Foreign Policy
The BRICS alliance comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and has emerged as an influential platform for economic cooperation and engagement among major emerging economies.
President Mahama stressed that Ghana’s decision to become a BRICS partner should not be interpreted as abandoning its non-aligned foreign policy.
He maintained that the country remains committed to its longstanding diplomatic principles while exploring opportunities to strengthen international partnerships, expand economic cooperation and attract investment.
Ghana’s engagement with BRICS is expected to provide additional opportunities for trade, investment, development cooperation and stronger diplomatic relations with member countries.
The President’s comments also highlight the continuity of Ghana’s foreign policy initiatives across successive administrations, despite changes in political leadership.
Source: newsthemegh.com