Minority demands full briefing on Ghana’s proposed BRICS membership

The Minority in Parliament is demanding an urgent briefing from Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on Ghana’s proposed application to join BRICS when the House resumes.

The call follows Mr Ablakwa’s announcement that Cabinet has approved Ghana’s decision to formally apply to join the bloc, which comprises Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa.

The Ranking Member on Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, Samuel Abu Jinapor, said the government must explain the potential implications of membership for Ghana’s economy, national interests and international standing before proceeding further with the application.

Speaking to Citi News, Mr Jinapor acknowledged that membership could provide alternative sources of financing and broaden Ghana’s international partnerships, but warned that it could also have adverse consequences for the country’s national interests.

“We acknowledge that this decision may come with some benefits to our country, but in the same token, there are far-reaching implications which may be adverse to the national interest of our country,” he said.

Mr Jinapor also questioned why Ghana was pursuing full membership rather than considering an arrangement similar to Nigeria’s, which holds BRICS partner-country status.

He said Parliament needed to scrutinise the financing conditions associated with the bloc and assess whether full membership would offer Ghana greater financial independence.

“We think that the Foreign Affairs Minister, once Parliament resumes, ought to brief the House as a matter of urgency to set out the full details of this decision and the full contours of our potential relationship with BRICS, and what the implications will be on our national economy, our national interest, and Ghana’s standing in the international community given the decision that has been taken,” he said.

Source: citinewsroom