The Minority in Parliament has called for an urgent briefing on Ghana’s proposed BRICS membership, insisting that Parliament must assess the economic, diplomatic and national‑interest implications before the government proceeds with its application.
The demand follows Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa’s announcement that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to formally apply to join the bloc.
Speaking to Citi News, Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, acknowledged that membership could provide Ghana with access to alternative sources of financing and broaden its international partnerships. He, however, warned of potential adverse implications for the country’s national interests.
“We acknowledge that this decision may come with some benefits to our country but in the same token, there are far reaching implications which may be adverse to the national interest of our country,” he said.
Mr Jinapor stressed that Ghana’s foreign policy must be guided primarily by the country’s national interests and called for greater clarity on the government’s decision to pursue full membership.
He questioned why Ghana was not considering an approach similar to Nigeria, which is a BRICS partner country and a member of the New Development Bank, instead of pursuing full membership.
He also called for Parliament to examine the conditions attached to financing available through the BRICS framework and determine whether membership would translate into greater financial independence for Ghana.
“We think that the Foreign Affairs Minister, once parliament resumes, ought to brief the house as a matter of urgency to set out the full details of this decision and the full contours of our potential relationship with BRICS, and what the implications will be on our national economy, our national interest, and Ghana’s standing in the international community given the decision that has been taken,” he said.
BRICS comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa and seeks to strengthen economic, political and diplomatic cooperation among its members.
