Russia has pledged its support for Ghana's bid to become a partner country of BRICS, the grouping of emerging economies, in a diplomatic boost for the West African nation.

Ghana's Foreign Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, announced the development on Wednesday after a breakfast meeting with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and other African foreign ministers on the sidelines of the Russia-Africa Summit in Moscow. According to Ablakwa, Lavrov said Russia "strongly supports" Ghana's application and promised to lobby every founding member of the bloc so that it wins unanimous backing.

Ghana announced its intention to seek BRICS partner-country status on 6 October 2026, after the cabinet of President John Dramani Mahama approved the move. Russia's backing follows earlier support from India.

Why Ghana wants partner status

Ghana is seeking partner-country status rather than full membership. The status would give Accra a framework for closer engagement with some of the world's largest emerging economies, with the government hoping it will attract investment, expand trade and support economic growth.

Officials have stressed that the application is not intended to replace Ghana's existing relationships with Western institutions or traditional development partners. Ablakwa said the Mahama administration would continue to uphold Ghana's longstanding foreign policy of non-alignment, described as "friends of all, enemies to none", while pursuing diversified development options in the national interest.

Backing is not yet admission

Russian support does not mean Ghana has been accepted into BRICS. The application would still require agreement through the bloc's established decision-making process, and partner status would not automatically guarantee new financing or trade deals — any economic benefits would depend on future negotiations.

BRICS was founded by Brazil, Russia, India and China, with South Africa joining later, and has since expanded to 11 full members, including Egypt and Ethiopia. The next step for Ghana will depend on whether the bloc's members reach consensus on its application.

Sources: Radar Africa and QNC News.