Ghana is actively pursuing membership in the Brics alliance of emerging economies, aiming to diversify its trade and diplomatic relations beyond traditional Western partners. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa highlighted the potential for expanded economic opportunities during a formal membership announcement earlier this week.
Ablakwa stated that joining Brics would not only augment Ghana’s cooperation within the Global South but also complement existing ties with institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Established in 2009 by Brazil, Russia, India, and China, Brics was formed to address concerns over the dominance of Western powers in global financial institutions. South Africa joined the bloc in 2010, and it has since expanded to include six additional nations: Ethiopia, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates.
Research analyst Caleb Ziblim noted that Ghana’s desire to join is logical, given that many of its primary trading partners are Brics members. Over 70 percent of Ghana’s exports are directed to these countries, with significant imports originating from China.
Despite the potential benefits, experts warn that Ghana’s acceptance into Brics is not guaranteed. Bright Simons, an analyst at the Imani Centre for Policy and Education in Accra, emphasized the necessity of unanimous agreement from the existing 11 member nations, a process that remains uncertain.
The latest country to gain full membership was Indonesia in January 2025. Some nations, including Algeria and Turkey, have sought membership in the past but faced refusals or alternative offers. Simons pointed out that Brics typically extends membership to countries with substantial regional influence, raising questions about Ghana’s competitive position, particularly with Nigeria already serving as a partner member.
As Ghana navigates its bid for Brics membership, it remains focused on its path to economic recovery following a 2022 debt crisis. Analysts suggest showcasing its democratic stability as a crucial factor that differentiates Ghana from its neighbors in the West African region.
