Omanghana
Ghana’s plan to seek BRICS partner status has brought renewed attention to potential trade tensions with the United States as the government pursues closer economic ties with emerging economies.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced Cabinet’s approval of the move on October 6, 2026. He subsequently clarified that Ghana intends to begin as a partner country, describing the decision as consistent with its policy of non-alignment and efforts to expand international economic opportunities.
The debate centres on two separate tariff warnings issued by U.S. President Donald Trump. One threatened duties of 100 per cent against countries supporting a currency intended to replace the U.S. dollar. Another proposed an additional 10 per cent tariff on countries pursuing what he described as BRICS’ “anti-American policies.”
Those warnings do not establish an automatic penalty for seeking BRICS membership or partner status. An administration source previously indicated that the additional 10 per cent levy would depend on specific policy actions.
Ghana’s introduction of a banking arrangement allowing eligible importers to pay Chinese suppliers in yuan from cedi accounts has added to the discussion. However, using yuan for some transactions does not itself demonstrate support for replacing the dollar, and the reporting cited no U.S. decision to penalise Ghana over the arrangement.
The economic case for closer engagement includes existing trade links. According to JoyNews Research, the United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa and China four of Ghana’s five largest export destinations in 2025 are BRICS members.
The government says wider partnerships could attract investment, support industrial development and create jobs. Ablakwa has also sought India’s assistance with Ghana’s bid.
Potential development financing requires a separate distinction. BRICS partner status does not automatically confer membership of the New Development Bank or guarantee loans. The bank operates its own admission process, with membership open to United Nations member states under its governing agreement.
Meanwhile, a U.S. Supreme Court ruling on February 20, 2026, limited one route for imposing tariffs. The court held that the International Emergency Economic Powers Act did not authorise presidential tariffs; it did not invalidate the statute itself or eliminate tariff powers available under other laws.
The ruling therefore does not remove the possibility of future U.S. trade measures, although any such action would require a valid legal basis.
Source: Omanghana
