By Aaron Hammond 
Lawyer Martin Kpebu has backed Ghana’s plan to join BRICS, but he wants the country to focus on the benefits. He believes Ghana should explore new partnerships if they can improve the economy.
According to him, Ghana does not have much to lose by exploring opportunities that could bring development. However, he says the country must protect its existing relationships with the United States and other Western nations.
Martin Kpebu Says Ghana Must Put Its Interests First
Kpebu believes international relations are not simply about choosing one side over another. Countries build partnerships based on what they stand to gain. Therefore, he argues that Ghana should follow the same approach. If BRICS can bring investment, trade and jobs, he sees no reason for Ghana to ignore the opportunity.
His comments come as Ghana prepares to apply for BRICS membership. On October 6, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa announced that Cabinet had approved the decision to submit an application. The government hopes to attract investment, support local industries and create jobs through stronger international partnerships. Ablakwa also explained that Ghana wants to expand its global relationships, not abandon its existing allies.
Why Kpebu Says Ghana Will Not Lose the US
One concern is whether joining BRICS could affect Ghana’s relationship with the United States. Kpebu does not believe that joining the group would automatically drive America away. He argued that the US also makes decisions based on its own national interests. Ghana, he said, must be ready to do the same.
During the discussion, a panel member also suggested that Ghana could gain stronger bargaining power by building more international partnerships. For example, Western countries may place greater value on their relationship with Ghana if the country has more options. This could help Ghana negotiate better trade deals and attract investment. However, the outcome will depend on how well the government manages these relationships.
Can BRICS Help Ghana’s Economy Grow?
BRICS is a group of countries that work together on trade, investment, development and global affairs. Its original members included Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa. The group has since expanded to include other countries. It also has a partner country category, which allows countries to cooperate with the bloc without becoming full members.
For Ghana, the biggest question is what the country will gain. Will the partnership create jobs? Can it help local businesses sell more products abroad? Will it attract investors who can build factories and process Ghana’s resources locally? These are the issues that matter most to ordinary Ghanaians.
Kpebu supports exploring the opportunity because he believes Ghana must look beyond its traditional partners. However, the country needs clear plans to turn international agreements into real benefits. More partnerships alone will not solve Ghana’s economic problems. The government must negotiate good deals, protect the country’s interests and ensure that citizens benefit from any new opportunities.
Ghana’s planned move towards BRICS does not automatically mean an end to its relationship with the US or the UK. Instead, the country can seek opportunities from different partners. The real test will be whether these relationships improve lives, support businesses and create jobs. For Kpebu, Ghana should be open to new opportunities as long as they serve the country’s interests.
Also Read: Ghana Cabinet Approves BRICS Bid Amid IMF Bailout
Source: Ghana News Page