Minority demands audit of GH₵16.4m gap in evacuation spending

Hassan Ayariga demands parliamentary scrutiny of Ghana’s BRICS application

Dr. Hassan Ayariga, the founder and leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), has called on the government to submit its application for BRICS membership to Parliament for rigorous scrutiny and public consultation. The demand follows an announcement by President John Dramani Mahama that Ghana is formally seeking "Partner Country" status within the economic bloc. Ayariga argued that a decision of such national magnitude, touching on sovereignty and long-term economic commitments, requires legislative oversight rather than unilateral executive action. Invoking Articles 1(1) and 75 of the 1992 Constitution, Dr. Ayariga emphasized that international agreements must be ratified by the legislature to ensure they align with the national interest. He cautioned that an electoral mandate does not grant the government unlimited authority to enter into significant global alliances without transparent debate. "Parliament must not be a spectator in the BRICS decision," Ayariga asserted, urging the House to demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs regarding the legal, financial, and sovereignty implications of the partnership. The push for BRICS membership is a pillar of President Mahama’s "New Economy" agenda. Speaking at a commissioning event for ambassadors on October 16, 2026, the President described the move as a strategic effort to foster South-South cooperation and expand trade and investment opportunities. Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa confirmed that the Cabinet has already approved the application for partner status, which could eventually lead to full membership. The administration maintains that the alliance will complement existing relations with traditional Western partners while driving industrialization. However, the proposal has met with skepticism from the parliamentary opposition. Samuel Abu Jinapor, the Ranking Member of Parliament’s Foreign Affairs Committee, questioned the feasibility of the expected economic gains. Speaking on October 17, 2026, Jinapor argued that Ghana’s ongoing reliance on the International Monetary Fund (IMF) could limit the benefits of joining BRICS. He called for a more realistic assessment of what the partnership can actually deliver, noting that while the process began under the previous administration of former President Nana Akufo-Addo, the current government must be transparent about potential risks. The growing call for transparency suggests that the BRICS bid will become a focal point of legislative debate in the coming weeks. Critics and stakeholders are now looking to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to provide a detailed roadmap that outlines the specific obligations Ghana would undertake. For Dr. Ayariga and other skeptical voices, the priority remains ensuring that any shift in Ghana’s geopolitical alignment is backed by a clear national consensus and a verifiable economic justification.