Accra, Ghana — Ghana’s Cabinet has approved plans to seek membership of BRICS as the West African country looks to diversify its international partnerships and attract new trade and investment opportunities.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the decision on October 6 during a joint briefing in Accra with visiting Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

Ablakwa said Ghana had already requested India’s support for its BRICS membership bid and would begin the formal application process.

India backs Ghana’s interest in joining BRICS

Jaishankar welcomed Ghana’s interest in joining the economic grouping and expressed India’s support for the country’s aspirations.

He noted, however, that Ghana’s admission would require consideration and approval by the wider BRICS membership rather than India alone.

The discussions formed part of Ghana’s efforts to strengthen economic and diplomatic ties with emerging economies.

Ghana seeks new trade and investment opportunities

Ablakwa said BRICS membership would provide Ghana with additional opportunities for economic cooperation, investment and industrialization.

He stressed that the move would not replace Ghana’s existing international partnerships, including its relationships with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.

Instead, the government intends to broaden its development partnerships while maintaining cooperation with traditional financial institutions.

Ghana looks to join expanding BRICS bloc

BRICS was established by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010.

The grouping has since expanded to include several emerging economies, including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.

Ghana would need the support of existing BRICS members before its application could be approved.

If admitted, Ghana would join a growing group of African countries seeking closer economic cooperation through the bloc.