The Founder and Leader of the All People’s Congress (APC), Hassan Ayariga, has challenged President John Dramani Mahama over the government’s plan to pursue Ghana’s membership of BRICS, demanding parliamentary scrutiny and public consultation on the decision.
In a statement issued on Saturday, October 17, 2026, Dr Ayariga questioned whether Cabinet could determine Ghana’s long-term international economic and geopolitical commitments without broader public and parliamentary engagement.
“Who gave Cabinet the authority to decide for over 34 million Ghanaians without parliamentary and public consultation?” he asked.
He argued that Ghana’s sovereignty rests with its citizens and that decisions with far-reaching implications for the country should be subjected to transparency, accountability and public participation.
Hassan Ayariga cited Article 1(1) of the 1992 Constitution, which establishes that sovereignty resides in the people of Ghana.
He said the President and Cabinet must exercise their authority in accordance with the Constitution and remain accountable to the people.
“My question to President John Dramani Mahama is simple: Who has the authority to determine Ghana’s long-term international economic and geopolitical commitments? Can the President do so without the approval of Parliament and the Ghanaian people?” he asked.
The APC leader maintained that democratic governance should extend beyond periodic elections to include consultation and participation in decisions affecting the country’s future.
He said major political, economic, legal and social policies should reflect the will of the people and be implemented through the appropriate arms of government.
Hassan Ayariga also invoked Article 75 of the Constitution, which provides for the President to execute treaties, agreements and conventions on behalf of Ghana, subject to ratification by Parliament.
He urged President Mahama to present the BRICS matter to Parliament for deliberation and a decision on the way forward.
“Mr President, you must therefore place this matter before Parliament for the deliberations and decision of Parliament and the people,” he said.
He further called on the government to explain the proposed membership’s contents, implications and expected benefits before proceeding.
“The contents, implications and benefits must be made clear to Ghanaians before membership,” he added.
The government announced on October 6, 2026, that Cabinet had approved a decision to formally apply for Ghana to join BRICS, according to Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.
BRICS is a grouping of major emerging economies that has expanded beyond its original members and seeks to strengthen cooperation among participating countries in areas including trade, investment and development.
The government has presented the proposed engagement as an opportunity to broaden Ghana’s international partnerships and deepen economic cooperation with developing economies.
The Minority in Parliament has also called for an urgent briefing on the decision, seeking disclosure of its geopolitical implications and potential effects on Ghana’s national interests.
Hassan Ayariga’s latest intervention adds to calls for greater parliamentary scrutiny and public discussion as the government pursues its plan.