Ghana is set to formally apply to join BRICS after Cabinet approved the country’s bid, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.
Mr Ablakwa disclosed the decision in Accra on Tuesday, October 6, saying the move forms part of government’s strategy to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships and create new opportunities for investment, trade and industrialisation.
He said the decision was approved by Cabinet under President John Dramani Mahama and that Ghana would now proceed with a formal application to the bloc.
BRICS was originally formed by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining in 2010. The grouping has since expanded to include countries such as Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Indonesia.
The government says membership would give Ghana an opportunity to deepen economic and diplomatic engagement with emerging economies while broadening the country’s access to investment and industrialisation opportunities.
The announcement was made during a joint press briefing with India’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Dr Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, who was visiting Ghana.
Ghana’s application will now have to go through the BRICS admission process before the country can become a member.