Omanghana
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has challenged the parliamentary Minority’s criticism of Ghana’s proposed engagement with BRICS, saying the previous New Patriotic Party administration had considered a similar move.
Speaking on TV3’s The KeyPoints on Saturday, October 10, 2026, Ablakwa described the Minority’s position as “disingenuous and dishonest,” citing documents he said showed that the government of former President Nana Akufo-Addo had explored the benefits of joining the bloc.
His comments follow Cabinet’s approval of a phased approach to Ghana’s application, beginning with partner-country status. The Minority has requested an urgent parliamentary briefing, arguing that lawmakers should examine the potential economic and diplomatic implications.
Ablakwa maintained that the proposal was not a departure from discussions held under the previous administration. According to him, a ministerial committee was established in September 2023 to assess Ghana’s possible engagement with BRICS.
He said the committee was chaired by the then Foreign Affairs Minister and included the ministers responsible for finance, national security, trade and justice.
The minister also cited an October 2023 technical committee report prepared under the chairmanship of Ambassador Kwabena Osei Danquah. He said the report recommended that Ghana recognise the vision behind BRICS and express an interest in joining.
Ablakwa further referred to former President John Agyekum Kufuor’s attendance at a BRICS summit as an observer in 2023, which he said contributed to subsequent government discussions about the grouping’s growing global influence.
He argued that these earlier deliberations made the Minority’s current criticism inconsistent with the position explored while its party was in office.
Explaining the current government’s approach, Ablakwa said closer engagement with BRICS would broaden Ghana’s economic partnerships and create additional opportunities for development financing.
He identified the New Development Bank as one potential avenue the government hopes to explore, while stressing that Ghana would maintain its relationships with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.
According to the minister, the Mahama administration intends to pursue a wider range of international partnerships in response to a changing global economy.
He urged the Minority to ground its scrutiny in the available evidence and approach the debate with candour, arguing that decisions about Ghana’s international economic relationships should rise above partisan considerations.
Source: Omanghana
