The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Hassan Ayariga, is challenging the process behind Ghana’s planned move towards BRICS, saying the matter must go before Parliament and the public.
In a statement issued on October 17, 2026, Dr. Ayariga said any decision to join or partner with the BRICS bloc cannot be left to Cabinet and the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, alone.
According to him, a foreign policy shift of that magnitude requires broader democratic scrutiny.
“Ghana is a sovereign democratic republic, not the personal property of a president or his cabinet,” Dr. Ayariga stated.
The APC leader clarified that he is not opposed to Ghana engaging BRICS members for trade, investment and diplomatic cooperation.
His concern, he said, is about procedure and constitutional order. He argued that pursuing new international partnerships should not bypass the checks that ensure accountability.
Dr. Ayariga cited Article 75 of the 1992 Constitution as the basis for his call.
The article gives the President the power to execute treaties, agreements and conventions on behalf of Ghana, but stipulates that such agreements only become binding after parliamentary ratification, either by an Act of Parliament or by a resolution supported by more than half of all Members of Parliament.
On that basis, he insisted that Cabinet approval alone is insufficient to commit Ghana to a BRICS-related framework.
“Cabinet has neither constitutional nor legal basis for the approval or ratification of any such commitments,” he argued.
He is therefore asking President John Dramani Mahama to ensure full transparency, including public engagement and parliamentary debate, before any formal commitment is made to the bloc.
