Ghana has formally applied to join the BRICS bloc of emerging economies. This strategic move aims to widen the nation's trade and diplomatic options beyond traditional Western partners. The application requires convincing all 11 existing BRICS members of Ghana's value as a new partner.
Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced the plans to formally apply for membership. He stated that joining BRICS would diversify Ghana's economic base and partnerships. It would also foster greater cooperation within the Global South framework. Accra believes this move complements existing relationships with institutions like the International Monetary Fund and World Bank, rather than replacing them.
This application fits into Ghana's broader economic strategy to strengthen ties with emerging powers. Data shows significant trade links already exist with BRICS nations. Caleb Ziblim, a research analyst at JoyNews TV station, highlighted that almost all of Ghana's top five trading partners are BRICS members. Over 70% of Ghana's exports currently go to BRICS countries, including South Africa, China, and India. President John Dramani Mahama noted that Ghana's exports to India have risen from GHS 3 billion to GHS 7 billion.
BRICS was established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Its founding premise was to counter the perceived Western dominance of international financial institutions. South Africa joined in 2010. The bloc has since expanded to include Ethiopia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates. The United Nations trade and development agency, UNCTAD, reported that trade between BRICS members has grown rapidly over the past two decades. This growth is driven by strong complementarities in natural resources, manufacturing, and technology. BRICS members collectively account for over two-thirds of the Global South's total GDP.
Bright Simons, an analyst at the Imani Centre for Policy and Education, cautioned that Ghana's application does not guarantee full membership. Acceptance requires full consensus from all 11 leaders, and the timeline for a decision remains unclear. He noted that some very large countries have not yet received full membership. Algeria applied in 2023 but was turned down. Turkey requested full membership in 2024 but was offered partner status, which it did not accept.
The application process goes through the current BRICS chair, which is India this year. Ghana sought India's support during an official visit by Indian Foreign Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Ghana must demonstrate its value as a partner, a task complicated by Nigeria's existing partner status. Nigeria, West Africa's largest economy, has been a partner country since 2025 but has not applied for full membership. BRICS extends membership to countries with regional and strategic global influence, seeking nations with significant power.
Simons questioned whether Ghana possesses the regional influence to qualify, given Nigeria's presence. He suggested Ghana could highlight its democratic track record and cultural influence. While Nigeria offers economic status, Ghana could emphasize its stability and democratic credentials. Ghana is currently on the path to economic recovery following its 2022 debt crisis. The BRICS leaders will assess what additional value Ghana brings to the table. The New Development Bank, BRICS's financial arm, finances infrastructure projects and is open to any UN member state.