An International Relations expert, Prof. Agyenim-Boateng, has cautioned that Ghana’s decision to formally apply for membership in the BRICS geopolitical bloc is fraught with significant risks that could complicate the nation’s foreign policy and global standing.
While acknowledging that joining the economic alliance presents potential trade and financial opportunities, the academic warned that formidable challenges will inevitably emerge as the integration process takes shape.
Prof. Agyenim-Boateng made these observations while speaking on Rainbow Radio’s flagship news programme, Nyankonton Mu Nsem.
His comments follow the declaration by the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, that the Cabinet has approved Ghana’s intent to seek formal admission into the BRICS alliance—comprising Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.
The move aims to diversify Ghana’s international partnerships, broaden economic opportunities, and deepen South-South collaboration.
Announcing the decision during an official visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar, Mr. Ablakwa highlighted India as a key strategic partner and confirmed Ghana has requested its support during the application process.
However, Prof. Agyenim-Boateng offered a sobering assessment of the economic strength within the bloc, arguing that the financial clout of the alliance is heavily concentrated in only a couple of its member states.
“When you look closely at the BRICS alliance, it is only China and India that currently possess robust, high-performing economies, with Russia lagging behind as a distant third,” he observed. “The remaining member states, including Brazil and South Africa, are themselves wrestling with serious domestic economic vulnerabilities and sluggish growth.”
The international relations scholar further questioned how the government intends to navigate its traditional diplomatic ties with Western allies—such as the United States, Great Britain, and the European Union—once the country aligns itself with the bloc.
“The core issue Ghana must confront is one of diplomatic equilibrium. How do we intend to manage and sustain our long-standing economic and strategic relationships with Western powers when we formally join a bloc that is increasingly seen as a geopolitical counterweight to the West?” Prof. Agyenim-Boateng queried. “There are delicate geopolitical friction points, and navigating them without jeopardising crucial Western trade and bilateral support will require an exceptionally cautious balancing act.”
Ghana has formally applied to join BRICS, as announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa following a Cabinet decision by President John Dramani Mahama.
BRICS—an intergovernmental bloc featuring Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia—seeks to expand global influence, strengthen South-South cooperation, and balance Western-dominated global institutions.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana