Ghana is preparing to formally apply for membership of BRICS as the government seeks to broaden the country’s international partnerships and create new economic opportunities.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision on Tuesday, October 6, 2026, during the official visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, to Ghana.
According to Mr Ablakwa, Cabinet has approved Ghana’s intention to join the bloc, which brings together major emerging economies and countries across the Global South.
“The major highlight, which I am disclosing to the Ghanaian people for the first time, is that the Cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama has decided that Ghana will be joining BRICS,” he said.
He explained that the move forms part of efforts to diversify Ghana’s economic and diplomatic relationships while strengthening cooperation with countries outside its traditional partnerships.
Mr Ablakwa said Ghana had already approached India for assistance with the application process, describing the country’s BRICS membership as strategically important to Ghana’s ambitions.
“We believe that joining India in BRICS will give us economic options, will diversify our base and our partnerships, and will also allow us to have more cooperation within the Global South framework,” he said.
The minister stressed that Ghana’s application would be the beginning of a process, as membership would ultimately depend on the bloc accepting the country.
Ghana’s planned application comes as the government increasingly emphasises resource sovereignty, industrialisation and partnerships that deliver tangible economic benefits to citizens.
BRICS has expanded significantly in recent years, with countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Indonesia and the United Arab Emirates joining the original group of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.
