Ghana must protect national interest in pursuit of BRICS membership – Hassan Ayariga

The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has cautioned Ghana against exchanging one form of economic dependency for another as the government pursues membership of the BRICS economic bloc.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Ayariga said he was not opposed to Ghana establishing strategic relationships with BRICS countries but insisted that such partnerships must protect the country’s national interests, constitutional governance and democratic accountability.

He argued that any move to join the bloc must deliver tangible benefits for Ghanaian citizens and businesses rather than create new forms of economic dependence.

“For decades, African countries have struggled with economic dependency, foreign control of strategic resources, unequal trade relationships and limited industrial development. We must not repeat the mistakes of the past,” he said.

“If Ghana seeks to join BRICS to diversify its international relationships, that objective must translate into tangible benefits for Ghanaian citizens and businesses.”

Hassan Ayariga said Ghana’s gold, oil, minerals, agricultural resources and strategic infrastructure must be managed in ways that support national development.

He criticised the continued export of raw materials with limited local processing, arguing that Ghana must strengthen its industrial capacity and retain more value from its natural resources.

“We cannot continue exporting our raw materials cheaply, importing finished products at enormous costs and allowing foreign interests to dominate strategic sectors of our economy,” he stated.

He said Ghana’s approach to international partnerships should be guided by the same principles, regardless of whether potential partners come from Europe, America, Asia or the Middle East.

“Whether our partners come from Europe, America, Asia, the Middle East or elsewhere, the guiding principle must remain the same: Ghana first. Ghanaians first. National interest first,” he said.

“International cooperation must strengthen our sovereignty, not weaken it.”

The APC leader also called for clarity on the terms and implications of Ghana’s proposed BRICS membership.

He questioned the economic and diplomatic obligations the country might assume, the level of influence it could exercise within the grouping and the practical benefits for ordinary Ghanaians.

“What exactly does Ghana stand to gain? What obligations will Ghana assume? What are the potential economic, political and diplomatic consequences? Will Ghana become a full member or merely a partner country?” he asked.

He further questioned whether Ghana would have meaningful influence in decision-making or become a participant in a grouping dominated by larger economies.

Hassan Ayariga said the government must also explain how the proposed partnership would benefit farmers, traders, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and other businesses.

He maintained that such questions should be treated as matters of national interest rather than dismissed as political opposition.

The government announced its intention to pursue BRICS membership on October 6, 2026, with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa saying Cabinet had approved a decision to formally apply to join the bloc.

The government has said the move is intended to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships and create opportunities for trade, investment and economic cooperation.