John Dramani Mahama credits Akufo-Addo committee for BRICS partnership

President John Dramani Mahama has disclosed that the decision for Ghana to pursue a partnership with the BRICS economic bloc originated from a ministerial committee established during the administration of his predecessor, Nana Akufo-Addo. Speaking at a press conference held at the Jubilee House on November 5, 2026, President Mahama explained that his government chose to adopt and implement the recommendation after a thorough review. He emphasized that the move represents a strategic continuation of Ghana's foreign policy rather than a radical shift in diplomatic relations.

According to the President, the ministerial committee under the former New Patriotic Party (NPP) government had carefully studied the benefits of aligning with the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—before submitting their findings. Upon assuming office in January 2025, the Mahama administration inherited the proposal and subjected it to Cabinet consideration. The President noted that the eventual approval of the partnership was based on the merits of the previous administration's groundwork, highlighting a rare instance of bipartisan continuity in the country’s international engagements.

Addressing concerns regarding Ghana's international standing, President Mahama clarified that the partnership aligns perfectly with the nation’s long-standing non-alignment foreign policy. He stated that joining forces with the BRICS bloc does not mean abandoning traditional partners but rather expanding Ghana's economic and diplomatic horizons in an increasingly multi-polar world. The President reiterated that the partnership is designed to foster collaboration in trade, infrastructure development, and technology transfer, ensuring that Ghana remains a neutral but active participant on the global stage.