The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Dr. Alhaji Hassan Ayariga, has called on President John Dramani Mahama to submit Ghana’s proposed membership of BRICS to parliamentary scrutiny and broader public consultation before making any binding commitments.
In a press statement issued in Accra on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Dr. Ayariga questioned the authority of Cabinet to pursue such a significant international arrangement without adequately involving Parliament and the Ghanaian public.
He said the proposal raised important concerns about national sovereignty, constitutional governance, parliamentary oversight and the right of citizens to participate in decisions that could shape the country’s economic and diplomatic future.
“Ghana is a sovereign democratic republic, not the personal property of a President or his Cabinet,” he stated.
Dr. Ayariga clarified that he was not opposed to Ghana establishing economic and diplomatic relations with BRICS countries. However, he stressed that the pursuit of international partnerships must not undermine constitutional governance and democratic accountability.
He cited Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes that sovereignty resides in the people of Ghana, arguing that major national decisions must reflect the interests of citizens.
The APC leader also raised concerns about the constitutional requirements for international agreements, drawing 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 procedures.
He called on the government to clarify whether Ghana’s proposed participation would involve binding agreements requiring parliamentary approval.
Dr. Ayariga argued that Cabinet’s authority to formulate policy should not be confused with the constitutional requirements governing the approval and ratification of international agreements.
He further questioned the specific economic benefits Ghana expects to derive from BRICS, asking whether the country would become a full member or a partner country and what obligations either arrangement would impose.
He said the government must explain the potential financial commitments, diplomatic obligations and economic implications of the proposed participation.
He also called for clarity on how the arrangement would benefit ordinary Ghanaians, particularly farmers, traders, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and local businesses.
According to him, Ghana must ensure that its engagement with BRICS translates into tangible economic gains and does not expose the country to another form of economic dependency.
“Ghana must not move from dependency on Western economic powers into a new dependency on Eastern economic powers,” he stated.
He maintained that Ghana’s international partnerships should protect its natural resources, promote local industries and strengthen the country’s economic independence.
Dr. Ayariga urged the Speaker of Parliament, the Majority and Minority leadership, and all Members of Parliament to demand a comprehensive briefing from the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on the proposed arrangement.
He said the government should present its economic justification, anticipated benefits, potential risks, financial implications and legal obligations for parliamentary consideration.
The APC leader added that even if parliamentary ratification was not legally required, the significance of the proposal warranted public debate and scrutiny.
He also called on the government to publish a comprehensive policy document outlining the objectives, benefits, risks and obligations associated with Ghana’s proposed BRICS participation.
Additionally, he urged the government to engage political parties, civil society organisations, economic experts and business associations before proceeding with any final agreement.
Dr. Ayariga posed several questions to President Mahama, including whether Parliament had been formally consulted, whether the Attorney-General had provided a legal opinion on the proposed arrangement and what safeguards would protect Ghanaian businesses and strategic national interests.
He insisted that electoral victory should not be interpreted as giving a government unlimited authority to make major national decisions without broader consultation.
Dr. Ayariga concluded that international partnerships must serve Ghana’s national interest, respect the Constitution and deliver meaningful benefits to citizens.
“The Constitution is supreme. Our sovereignty is not negotiable. Our democracy must be protected. Our Parliament must be respected,” he stated.
He urged the government to provide clear answers to the concerns raised before making any binding commitments, adding that Ghana’s future must not be determined without the participation of its people.
