Ghana wants first to join the BRICS as a partner country, the foreign minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, said on Saturday, 10 October, after the government announced a move towards the group of emerging countries. Full membership remains a later prospect, dependent on the progress of discussions.
Questioned on the programme The Key Points on TV3, the minister presented this choice as a way to widen the country's economic and diplomatic options. Accra is seeking to diversify its development partners and strengthen its cooperation with Southern economies, without breaking off its existing relations.
This clarification distinguishes the status requested from entry as a full member. The government is not announcing an admission already secured. The Indian foreign minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, recalled during his visit to Accra that the request should be considered collectively by BRICS members.
The Ghanaian government had made its plan known on 6 October, at a meeting with the Indian official. The cabinet had authorised preparation of an application, with the stated aim of supporting investment, employment and local processing of natural resources.
Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa also said he had consulted European Union countries before the announcement. He maintains that the move is consistent with Ghana's policy of non-alignment and complements its relations with its traditional partners.
The rapprochement with India goes beyond this application. The two countries have signed memorandums of understanding in agriculture, as well as in science and technology. The Ghanaian minister also cited railways, pharmaceuticals and digital technology among the areas in which Accra wants to deepen cooperation.