Ghana Applies for BRICS Partner Status Amid US Tariff Threats

Ghana's Cabinet approved a formal application for BRICS partner-country status on October 6, 2026, during Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar's visit to Accra. Foreign Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated the move aims to diversify partnerships, widen economic opportunities, and deepen cooperation with the Global South, with India pledging support for the application.

The government clarified it is seeking partner status—created in 2024—rather than immediate full membership. Partner countries attend summits and meetings but do not participate in consensus-based decisions. BRICS currently comprises 11 full members representing 49% of the world's population and 39% of global GDP, including African nations South Africa, Egypt, and Ethiopia.

“Any country aligning themselves with the Anti-American policies of BRICS, will be charged an ADDITIONAL 10% tariff. There will be no exceptions to this policy.”

Economic rationale is significant: four of Ghana's five largest export destinations in 2025—the UAE, India, South Africa, and China—are BRICS members. The World Bank estimated Ghana's 2025 GDP at $114.2 billion with 6.0% growth. Officials say the bid predates the current administration, citing a 2023 ministerial committee report recommending accession.

However, the application coincides with US President Donald Trump's tariff threats. In November 2024, Trump threatened 100% tariffs on BRICS countries if they created a currency to replace the US dollar. In July 2025, he warned of an additional 10% tariff on any country aligning with what he termed BRICS' "anti-American policies." Ablakwa maintains Ghana will retain its non-aligned foreign policy guided by national interests.