Security consultant, Richard Kumadoe has urged Ghana to explore the economic opportunities offered by the BRICS bloc while ensuring that national sovereignty, security and the stability of the local currency remain protected.
Speaking on Yɛse No Sɛn on Globe TV, Kumadoe said BRICS comprises countries with significant economic potential and could provide Ghana with valuable trade, investment and market-access opportunities.
He stressed, however, that Ghana’s engagement with the bloc must be driven by its national interest and should not compromise the country’s independence, security or relationships with other nations. “Ghana is not an enemy to any country,” Kumadoe said. “Our participation is for economic interests. We are friends of all and enemies of none.”
According to him, Ghana’s participation in BRICS-related economic initiatives should not be seen as a threat to the country’s security or an action against any foreign partner. Rather, he said, the country should focus on arrangements that support economic growth, expand exports and create opportunities for Ghanaian businesses.
Kumadoe noted that BRICS presents a potentially strong trade platform because of the size of its economies and population.“Looking at the trade platform of BRICS, it is one of the best,” he said. “They command about 39 percent of the global economy, with a population of about 48 percent. Whatever you supply, people will buy. Ghana only needs to package itself well and take advantage of the opportunity. That is the best way to go.”He added that Ghana should pursue any BRICS-related engagement in a manner that does not place unnecessary pressure on the cedi or weaken the country’s control over its economic policies.
Kumadoe therefore called on the government to prioritise national interest in all international engagements, insisting that Ghana’s national sovereignty and security must remain paramount.
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