Accra:Samuel Abu Jinapor, the former Lands and Natural Resources Minister, has advised the Ghanaian government to thoroughly evaluate the economic and political ramifications of pursuing a partnership with BRICS. He emphasized the dangers of assuming automatic benefits from such a relationship.
According to Ghana Web, Jinapor highlighted that the previous Akufo-Addo administration had established a cabinet ad hoc committee to scrutinize the proposal due to concerns about its potential impact on Ghana's national interests.
Jinapor stressed that the assessment must extend beyond merely aligning with a particular international bloc. It should also consider Ghana's economic competitiveness and the risk of becoming a dumping ground for goods from BRICS countries. He pointed out that the decision should not just focus on political alignment but also on addressing real economic issues.
He referenced Nigeria's choice to remain a BRICS partner rather than a full member and Argentina's decision to withdraw from joining the bloc as examples of countries carefully evaluating their options. Jinapor noted that the previous government's hesitation to finalize the process was a sign of prudence, not opposition to expanding Ghana's international partnerships.