The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has called on the government to subject Ghana’s proposed participation in BRICS to parliamentary scrutiny and broad public consultation before making any binding international commitments.
He said the decision raises fundamental questions about constitutional governance, national sovereignty and the role of Parliament in determining the country’s long-term economic and diplomatic relationships.
A statement issued in Accra and signed by Mr Ayariga said he was not opposed to the country pursuing strategic economic and diplomatic partnerships with BRICS countries but insisted that such engagements must be transparent and consistent with the 1992 Constitution.
Sovereignty
It cited Article 1(1) of the Constitution, which establishes that sovereignty resides in the people of Ghana, and questioned whether the President and Cabinet could make decisions of such national significance without broader consultation.
It drew attention to Article 75, which provides for the President to execute treaties, agreements and conventions on behalf of Ghana, subject to the applicable parliamentary ratification requirements.
The statement called on the government to clarify the legal framework governing Ghana’s proposed participation and establish whether the arrangement would require parliamentary ratification.
“Cabinet has neither constitutional nor legal basis for the approval or ratification of any such commitments,” it said, distinguishing the Executive’s responsibility for foreign policy from Parliament’s constitutional role in ratifying applicable international agreements.
The APC leader further demanded clarity on the terms of Ghana’s proposed participation, including whether the country would become a full member or a partner country, the financial implications, its obligations and the economic benefits expected.
“Ghana must not move from dependency on Western economic powers into a new dependency on Eastern economic powers,” it said, insisting that national interest must remain the guiding principle in the country’s international partnerships.
Briefing
The statement urged the Speaker of Parliament and both Majority and Minority leaders to demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs on the proposed engagement.
It also called for the publication of a policy document outlining the anticipated benefits, risks, financial implications and legal obligations, alongside consultations with political parties, civil society organisations, economic experts and business associations.
It said international partnerships could contribute to Ghana’s development but stressed that they must protect the country’s sovereignty, economic independence and national interests.
“Ghana belongs to all of us. The Constitution is supreme. Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Our democracy must be protected,” it said.
The statement urged the government to demonstrate that Ghana’s proposed participation in BRICS is economically beneficial, transparent and consistent with the country’s constitutional requirements.
