International Affairs Analyst Bright Ofori has backed the Minority’s call for the government to brief Parliament on Ghana’s proposed BRICS membership, saying Ghanaians deserve clear explanations of the expected benefits.
He believes the government should outline the reasons behind the decision and provide concrete projections of what the country stands to gain from joining the bloc.
“I support the Minority petitioning to get more information from the government,” he said, adding that Parliament should be officially informed of the reasons for Ghana’s decision.
Speaking with MX24 News, Mr. Ofori says the government must go beyond announcing its intention to join BRICS and explain the potential economic gains, particularly in trade and currency management.
“I think these are good reasons why we want to be part of it,” he said, referring to the prospect of trading with other countries in local currencies to help reduce pressure on the Ghana cedi.
He also wants the government to provide projections of the expected benefits over the medium to long term.
“If they could give us maybe in the next five years what are some of the benefits, the next ten years, how to go,” he noted.
According to him, such information would enable Parliament and the public to better assess whether the proposed arrangement would serve the country’s national interest.
Mr. Ofori’s comments follow the government’s announcement of its intention to pursue BRICS membership, a move that has prompted calls from the Minority for greater clarity on the country’s objectives and the implications of joining the bloc.
The Minority has raised concerns about whether Ghana should pursue full membership or consider partner-country status, as Nigeria has done.
BRICS is a grouping of emerging economies that seeks to strengthen economic cooperation and increase the influence of developing countries in global affairs.
Mr Ofori maintains that while the proposed engagement presents potential opportunities for Ghana, the government must provide Parliament with sufficient information on its objectives and the benefits expected from the process.
