Hassan Ayariga called on Ghana’s Parliament to scrutinise the government’s plan to join BRICS, warning against excluding elected representatives from decisions with national impact. In a statement on October 17, 2026, the All People’s Congress (APC) leader demanded a full briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs.
“Parliament must demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs concerning the proposed BRICS partnership,” Ayariga said. He pressed for detailed information on the economic justification, expected benefits, risks, financial implications, and legal obligations before any decision is taken.
The government announced its intention to apply for BRICS membership on October 6, 2026. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed Cabinet’s approval to formally seek entry into the bloc, which includes Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa. The move aims to expand Ghana’s international partnerships with emerging economies.
Ayariga raised concerns over constitutional procedures under Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution, which requires treaty or international agreement ratification through Parliament. He argued that even if legal ratification is not mandatory, the scale of the decision demands parliamentary debate and public scrutiny.
He rejected the notion that electoral victory grants a government unrestricted power to make major national decisions without consultation. “A President is elected to lead the people to govern themselves, not to dictate to the people,” Ayariga said.
The APC leader outlined five demands for the government before proceeding. These include publishing a detailed policy document explaining the BRICS proposal’s objectives, benefits, risks, and obligations. He called for parliamentary debate and any constitutionally required approval, alongside consultations with political parties, civil society, economic experts, and business leaders.
Ayariga also demanded the government obtain and disclose legal assessments and guarantee that Ghana’s economic independence and national sovereignty will be protected in any agreement. “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 said.
The Minority in Parliament has similarly called for an urgent briefing on the BRICS membership bid, seeking clarity on its geopolitical implications and impact on Ghana’s national interests.
The government’s BRICS application represents a shift in Ghana’s foreign policy, aiming to engage with a bloc of emerging economies rather than traditional Western partners. The move comes amid wider efforts by the administration to diversify the country’s international relations and economic partnerships.
Ayariga’s intervention highlights tensions around transparency and constitutional procedure in Ghana’s foreign policy decisions. His insistence on parliamentary involvement emphasizes the political stakes of joining BRICS, which could affect Ghana’s economic direction and international alignments.
The debate over BRICS membership continues as the government prepares to submit its formal application. Parliament and civil society await further disclosures from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
According to Joy Online.
