Ghana’s Cabinet has approved the country’s plan to formally apply for membership of the BRICS economic and geopolitical bloc, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa has announced.

Ablakwa disclosed the decision on Tuesday while speaking alongside India’s External Affairs Minister, Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, during the minister’s visit to Ghana.

He said Ghana had already approached India to seek its support for the application, adding that joining the bloc would help the West African country broaden its economic relationships and strengthen its diplomatic engagements.

According to Ablakwa, membership of BRICS would provide Ghana with additional economic opportunities and deepen its cooperation with countries across the Global South.

The minister said the decision reflected the government’s desire to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships and reduce reliance on a limited number of economic and diplomatic partners.

Jaishankar welcomed Ghana’s interest in the bloc, but noted that its admission would ultimately depend on consideration by the wider BRICS membership.

BRICS was originally established by Brazil, Russia, India and China and has expanded significantly in recent years, with South Africa joining in 2011 and countries including Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates becoming members in subsequent years.

Indonesia also joined the grouping in 2025, further expanding its presence across the Global South.