Ghana, a country rich in critical minerals, has officially applied to join the BRICS economic bloc, becoming the fourth African nation to do so.
The announcement came on Wednesday, with Ghana aiming to become part of the coalition that seeks to challenge the dominance of the U.S. dollar while providing alternative economic pathways for nations opposing U.S. influence.
Known for its wealth in minerals like gold, lithium, bauxite, manganese, and graphite, Ghana’s mining sector is vital. Manganese and bauxite are crucial for manufacturing military equipment such as tanks and aircraft, while lithium is essential for batteries that power drones and missiles.
According to the International Trade Administration, mining constitutes over a third of Ghana’s exports, with gold alone making up about 95% of the country’s mining activities.
At a recent event, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Minister, revealed, “During this pivotal visit, I announced our Cabinet’s strategic decision to pursue BRICS membership. The government aims to present Ghana as a trustworthy partner for all, as we expand our geopolitical and economic landscape based on our national interests and the freedom of choice in this rapidly changing multipolar environment.”
Ablakwa made this statement during a joint press briefing with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
The response from the Ghanaian Embassy in Washington, D.C., was not immediately available.
The competition on the African continent extends beyond BRICS, reflecting broader tensions between the U.S. and China.
While the U.S. has historically emphasized humanitarian aid, China has engaged in many infrastructure initiatives. As the U.S. dollar’s strength declines, developing nations are increasingly turning to alternatives, leading to the growth of economic blocs like BRICS.
To join BRICS, a prospective country must align with its guiding principles and contribute to strengthening the coalition, as well as be an emerging or developing nation with regional and global significance, according to the BRICS Information Center.
Despite being classified as a developing country, Ghana ranks as the eighth-largest economy in Africa, as noted by its president. Moreover, it plays an influential role in the African Union, contributing to regional security and development.
The BRICS group currently has 11 members and accounts for around 41% of global GDP, as reported by the BRICS-affiliated Institute for Digital Economy and Artificial Systems.
