Former Lands and Natural Resources Minister Samuel Abu Jinapor has urged the government to carefully assess the economic and political implications of Ghana’s decision to pursue a partnership with BRICS, warning against making assumptions about the benefits.
Speaking on JoyNews’ Newsfile, Jinapor said the previous Akufo-Addo administration had established a cabinet ad hoc committee to examine the proposal because of concerns about its potential impact on Ghana’s national interests.
He said the assessment needed to go beyond the political signal of aligning with a particular bloc to consider economic competitiveness and the risk of Ghana becoming a dumping ground for goods from BRICS countries.
“These are real issues, not just the signalling, not just the political issues involved, but also real economic issues,” he said.
Jinapor cited Nigeria’s decision to remain a BRICS partner rather than become a full member, as well as Argentina’s withdrawal from plans to join the bloc, as examples of countries weighing their options.
He said the previous government’s decision not to conclude the process reflected the need for caution rather than opposition to expanding Ghana’s international partnerships.
“It is also because of the caution that is mostly required in such decision-making which is why this ad hoc committee was put in place,” he said.
Jinapor welcomed Ghana’s move towards partnership status but stressed that the government must continue to assess the implications at every stage.
“In every step of the way, we need to tread cautiously and be sure that the national interest of our country is protected,” he said.
