Ghana’s pursuit of closer ties with BRICS has stirred debate over what the country stands to gain economically. But Dr Elvis Botah, an International Relations Analyst and Development Consultant, cautions that the diplomatic move risks falling short without a clear industrial strategy.
“Joining BRICS at this time adds nothing much to Ghana, in my considered opinion,” Dr Botah said. “From all that we know, the problem of Ghana is simply an economic problem.”
His remarks come after Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa clarified that Ghana aims for BRICS partner-country status rather than full membership immediately. The government expects this relationship to open doors to trade, investment, and alternative development financing.
Dr Botah warned that Ghana’s economy, which relies heavily on raw material exports, could be disadvantaged in dealings with industrial powers like China, India, Brazil, and Russia. “Now, Ghana automatically becomes an underdog in this kind of relationship. So, what do you go to the table with? What is our negotiation strategy? And what are our major points of negotiation?” he asked.
He stressed that Ghana must prioritise local processing of cocoa, gold, and other minerals, backed by technology transfer and industrial investment. Without this, Ghana risks becoming merely a market for goods produced by stronger BRICS economies.
“One thing government must be mindful of is that if we must proceed, we should enter BRICS with an industrial strategy, not just as another diplomatic ambition,” Dr Botah said.
Ghana’s current export profile is dominated by raw commodities, which limits its bargaining power. Dr Botah said this structural weakness must be addressed to turn the BRICS partnership into an economic advantage.
He urged the government to set measurable economic targets for the next five to ten years. “Ghana’s ability to benefit from BRICS will depend on its domestic economic strategy rather than membership alone,” he said.
The BRICS group—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—has gained prominence as an alternative economic bloc to Western-led institutions. Ghana’s interest in joining as a partner country follows similar moves by other African nations seeking diversified trade and finance options.
Still, Dr Botah’s analysis suggests that without industrial upgrading and value addition, Ghana’s BRICS relationship might not translate into tangible growth.
The government’s next steps could determine whether Ghana moves beyond diplomacy towards structural economic transformation.
According to 3News.
