Omanghana
Russia has pledged to support Ghana’s application for BRICS partner-country status, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov promising to mobilize backing among the grouping’s founding members.
Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development following a breakfast meeting with Lavrov and other African foreign ministers in Moscow on Wednesday, October 28, 2026. The discussions took place on the sidelines of the Third Russia-Africa Summit.
According to Ablakwa, Lavrov committed to helping build consensus in favour of Ghana’s application.
Expanding Ghana’s Economic Options
Ghana announced its intention to seek closer engagement with BRICS on October 6, following Cabinet approval under President John Dramani Mahama.
Ablakwa disclosed the decision during a joint briefing in Accra with India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. He said the initiative would broaden Ghana’s development options, attract investment and strengthen cooperation with countries in the Global South.
India expressed support for Ghana’s aspirations while noting that admission would require collective consideration by BRICS members.
Partner Status, Not Full Membership
Ablakwa has clarified that Ghana is pursuing partner-country status rather than full membership.
The arrangement would provide an avenue for closer consultation and cooperation with the bloc while allowing Ghana to maintain its existing international relationships.
The minister said the decision was consistent with Ghana’s national interests and longstanding policy of non-alignment. He also disclosed that the government had explained its approach to European Union member states before announcing the initiative.
Existing Partnerships to Continue
The government maintains that engagement with BRICS will complement Ghana’s relationships with traditional development partners, including the International Monetary Fund and World Bank.
Ablakwa said Ghana was seeking additional opportunities for trade, investment, industrialization and greater domestic processing of its natural resources.
Following the Moscow meeting, he reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to Ghana’s diplomatic principle of being “friends of all, enemies to none.”
Russia’s endorsement strengthens Ghana’s diplomatic campaign, but it does not constitute admission. The application still requires broader agreement within BRICS.
Source: Omanghana
