Ghana’s government has approved plans to formally apply for BRICS membership as part of a strategy to accelerate economic development.

Ghana’s foreign affairs minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced this on Thursday.

Mr Ablakwa confirmed that President John Mahama’s cabinet authorised the move, with preparations underway to submit the application and seek support from existing BRICS members, according to TV BRICS.

According to the foreign affairs minister, the proposed membership would support Ghana’s economic transformation agenda by creating opportunities for investment, job creation, industrialisation and greater value addition to the country’s natural resources.

The minister stressed that cooperation with BRICS would complement Ghana’s existing international partnerships while expanding its development options.

“BRICS offers us that opportunity to have options in development,” he explained.

Mr Ablakwa identified India, Brazil and China as important economic partners.

He noted that trade between Ghana and India had more than doubled, rising from approximately $3 billion in 2024 to around $7 billion.

The government also intends to use closer cooperation with BRICS countries to develop domestic processing industries and increase the economic benefits derived from Ghana’s natural resources.

“We want to add value to the natural resources that we have. And we want to work with partners who have the same shared history and shared commitments,” Mr Ablakwa said.

Ghana has already sought India’s assistance with its proposed accession.

India’s external affairs minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was visiting Accra, expressed support for Ghana’s aspirations while emphasising that BRICS countries must collectively consider membership decisions.

“Obviously, this is an issue of collective consideration. So we have to see how that goes forward,” Mr Jaishankar noted.

Ghana’s planned application reflects its intention to strengthen economic cooperation with emerging economies and broaden its participation in international development initiatives.

(NAN)