Ghana has announced plans to apply for membership of the BRICS bloc as the country seeks to expand its geopolitical and economic partnerships. Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handle, on Wednesday, October 7, following the working visit of India’s……
Ghana has announced plans to apply for membership of the BRICS bloc as the country seeks to expand its geopolitical and economic partnerships.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, disclosed this in a statement posted on his social media handle, on Wednesday, October 7, following the working visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr S. Jaishankar.
Ablakwa said Cabinet had taken the strategic decision to pursue BRICS membership as part of efforts to position Ghana within an evolving multipolar global order.
“On the occasion of this important visit, I announced Cabinet’s strategic decision to apply for BRICS membership,” he said.
He added that the government was determined to position Ghana as “a reliable friend of all” while expanding the country’s geopolitical and economic frontiers based on national interest and freedom of choice.
The minister said Ghana and India had also agreed to deepen cooperation in several sectors, including railway development, pharmaceuticals, digital technology, artificial intelligence and defence.
According to him, Ghana and India have committed to more railway projects following the completion of the Indian-financed Tema-Mpakadan railway.
“Ghana and India have committed to more railway projects after the successful Indian-financed Tema-Mpakadan railway construction,” Ablakwa said.
He said India was also expected to increase investments in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector as the government works to expand local drug production.
“India is additionally set to increase investments in Ghana’s pharmaceutical sector as the Mahama Administration ramps up our local pharmaceutical production capacity under the President’s Accra Reset health sovereignty initiative,” he said.
Ablakwa said both countries were also deepening cooperation in digital technology and artificial intelligence, while negotiations had commenced on a Defence Cooperation Agreement expected to be completed early next year.
“During this impactful visit, we signed two significant agreements on scientific research collaboration and agricultural cooperation,” he added.
The minister further said Ghana, which is expected to chair the African Union next year, would work with India towards developing an Africa-India strategy at the next Africa-India summit.
“Ghana is pleased to coordinate efforts next year as Chair of the African Union to develop an Africa-India strategy at next year’s Africa-India summit,” Ablakwa said.
He described the developments as further progress in Ghana-India relations, saying, “Nehru and Nkrumah must be proud of the great gains we are making in our incredible Ghana-India Comprehensive Partnership under the visionary leadership of Mahama and Modi.”
