On Saturday, October 17, 2026, Hassan Ayariga, founder and leader of the All People’s Congress, issued a press statement demanding that Parliament demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on Ghana’s proposed partnership with BRICS.
He urged the Speaker, the majority and minority leadership, and all Members of Parliament to seek a briefing that covers the economic justification, anticipated benefits, potential risks, financial implications and legal obligations of the proposed partnership. The APC leader warned that the decision has implications for the country’s economic and political future and must not proceed without adequate scrutiny.
According to Ayariga, any arrangement that qualifies as a treaty, agreement or convention under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution must follow the applicable constitutional ratification procedures. Even if parliamentary ratification is not legally required, he said the significance of the proposed partnership warrants parliamentary debate and public scrutiny.
The APC leader rejected the notion that an electoral victory gives a government unlimited authority to make major national decisions without wider consultation. He said, “We must reject the dangerous notion that once a party wins an election, it acquires unlimited authority to make every major national decision without national debate and collective decision. A President is elected to lead the people to govern themselves, not to dictate to the people.”
He outlined five measures the government should take before proceeding: publish a comprehensive policy document, present the proposal to Parliament for debate, engage political parties, civil society organisations, economic experts and business associations in a transparent national consultation, obtain and disclose a constitutional and legal assessment, and guarantee that any arrangement protects Ghana’s economic independence and national sovereignty.
“The Constitution is supreme. Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Our democracy must be protected. Our Parliament must be respected. And our people must never be treated as spectators in decisions that could shape their economic and political future,” Ayariga added. He also declared, “Ghana is not for sale. Ghana is not the property of any government, President or party. Ghana belongs to Ghanaians. And no matter who occupies the presidency, the Constitution must remain supreme.”
The government announced its intention to pursue BRICS membership on October 6, 2026, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa saying the Cabinet had approved a decision to formally apply to join the bloc. The minority in Parliament has also called for an urgent briefing on the proposal, demanding greater disclosure of its geopolitical implications and significance for Ghana’s national interests.
As Ghana seeks to broaden its international partnerships through engagement with emerging economies, the calls for parliamentary scrutiny highlight the importance of democratic oversight in shaping the country’s future.
