Ghana's Foreign Minister Defends BRICS Membership as Strengthening Non-Aligned Policy
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended Ghana's plan to join BRICS, arguing it strengthens the country's non-aligned foreign policy.
In Brief
- •Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa defended Ghana's plan to join BRICS, arguing it strengthens the country's non-aligned foreign policy.
- •Ablakwa insisted that Ghana will maintain ties with the IMF, World Bank, and Western partners while expanding diplomatic options.
- •He cited Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution, which states that the national interest must guide Ghana's foreign policy.
- •Ablakwa quoted Dr. Kwame Nkrumah's principle of facing forward and working closely with BRICS member countries.
- •He emphasized that Ghana's traditional alliances will continue, but the country is giving itself more options.
Why It Matters
Ghana's decision to join BRICS is significant as it reflects the country's commitment to maintaining a non-aligned foreign policy, which has been a defining characteristic since the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. This move could strengthen Ghana's geopolitical footprint and provide the country with more diplomatic options. However, it also raises questions about how Ghana will balance its relationships with traditional partners like the IMF and the World Bank with its new BRICS allies.
Key Details
- Date of Interview
- October 10, 2026
- Constitutional Reference
- Article 40 of the 1992 Constitution
- Nkrumah's Principle
- We look neither east nor west; we face forward.
Context & Background
Ghana's non-aligned foreign policy has been a defining characteristic since the days of Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, who founded the Non-Aligned Movement in 1961 alongside Egypt, India, and others. The country has historically worked closely with countries now in or around BRICS, including China, India, Russia, Brazil, South Africa, and Indonesia.
Original Reporting & Sources
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