Hassan Ayariga urges parliamentary scrutiny of Ghana's BRICS bid

Hassan Ayariga, the founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has formally called on the government to subject Ghana's proposed membership in the BRICS bloc to rigorous parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation. He argued that a decision of such geopolitical and economic magnitude must not be taken in isolation, emphasizing that transparency is vital to ensuring the move aligns with the long-term interests of the Ghanaian people.

Central to Ayariga's demand is the requirement for strict adherence to the 1992 Constitution. The APC leader emphasized that any significant international agreement or participation in global blocs must follow established constitutional governance protocols. He noted that the government has a duty to provide a clear legal framework and detailed terms of participation before committing the sovereign state to the alliance, which includes major emerging economies like Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa.

Beyond the legal requirements, Ayariga raised concerns regarding the financial implications and the potential impact on Ghana’s national sovereignty. He urged the government to provide comprehensive briefings that outline the specific benefits and risks associated with joining the bloc. According to the APC leader, understanding the exact financial commitments and the potential shifts in diplomatic relations is essential for public accountability and to prevent unforeseen economic burdens on the state.

To ensure a balanced decision-making process, Ayariga advocated for broad consultations with various stakeholders, including civil society organizations, economic experts, and political entities. By opening the floor to parliamentary debate, he believes the government can secure a more inclusive mandate that reflects a true national consensus. The APC maintains that without such transparency, the move to join the economic bloc could lack the necessary democratic legitimacy required for such a significant shift in foreign policy.