Parliament must not be a spectator in BRICS decision – Hassan Ayariga

The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has called on Parliament to scrutinise the government’s proposed move to join BRICS, warning against excluding elected representatives from major national decisions.

In a press statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Dr Ayariga urged the Speaker of Parliament, the Majority and Minority leadership, and all Members of Parliament to demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the proposed partnership.

“Parliament must demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the proposed BRICS partnership,” he stated.

He said the government should present the economic justification, anticipated benefits, potential risks, financial implications and legal obligations associated with Ghana’s proposed participation for parliamentary consideration.

According to him, the decision has implications for the country’s economic and political future and should not proceed without adequate scrutiny.

Ayariga raises constitutional concerns

Dr Ayariga said any arrangement that qualifies as a treaty, agreement or convention under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution must follow the applicable constitutional ratification procedures.

He added that even if parliamentary ratification is not legally required, the significance of the proposed partnership warrants parliamentary debate and public scrutiny.

The APC leader also rejected the argument that an electoral victory gives a government unlimited authority to make major national decisions without wider consultation.

“We must reject the dangerous notion that once a party wins an election, it acquires unlimited authority to make every major national decision without national debate and collective decision. A President is elected to lead the people to govern themselves, not to dictate to the people,” he stated.

Five demands to government

Dr Ayariga outlined five measures he wants the government to take before proceeding with the proposed BRICS arrangement.

He called for the publication of a comprehensive policy document explaining the objectives, benefits, risks and obligations of participation.

He also urged the government to present the proposal to Parliament for debate and any constitutionally required approval, while engaging political parties, civil society organisations, economic experts and business associations in a transparent national consultation.

The APC leader further demanded that the government obtain and disclose the relevant constitutional and legal assessment and guarantee that any arrangement would protect Ghana’s economic independence and national sovereignty.

‘Ghana belongs to Ghanaians’

Dr Ayariga said the country’s sovereignty and democratic institutions must remain central to decisions affecting its future.

“The Constitution is supreme. Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Our democracy must be protected. Our Parliament must be respected. And our people must never be treated as spectators in decisions that could shape their economic and political future,” he stated.

He added: “Ghana is not for sale. Ghana is not the property of any government, President or party. Ghana belongs to Ghanaians. And no matter who occupies the presidency, the Constitution must remain supreme.”

Background to Ghana’s BRICS bid

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 Minority in Parliament has also called for an urgent briefing on the proposal, demanding greater disclosure of its geopolitical implications and significance for Ghana’s national interests.

The calls for parliamentary scrutiny come as the government seeks to broaden Ghana’s international partnerships through engagement with emerging economies.