The Government has declined an offer by MTN Ghana to donate GH¢20 million towards supporting Ghanaian victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, said it had become aware of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation to assist Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
According to the Ministry, the reports appeared to have been based on comments made by the Chairman of the MTN Ghana Board, Dr Ishmael Yamson, during an interview.
While expressing appreciation to MTN Ghana for the gesture, the government said it had decided not to accept the proposed financial support because it had already made adequate arrangements to finance the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the situation.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry explained that the Mahama administration had made sufficient financial provisions to cater for the ongoing humanitarian evacuation of Ghanaians from areas affected by the xenophobic attacks, as well as their reintegration upon their return to Ghana.
The government therefore said there was no immediate need to accept the GH¢20 million donation from the telecommunications company.
The Ministry further disclosed that the government’s position had already been communicated directly to the leadership of MTN Ghana.
According to the statement, MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026, during which the government’s position on the proposed assistance was conveyed to them.
Despite declining the corporate donation, the government stressed that it remained committed to ensuring the safety and welfare of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
The Ministry said financial support would continue to be provided to Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa as part of efforts to help them rebuild their lives after returning home.
“The Government of Ghana remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way,” the statement said.
The government has also pledged to account publicly for the resources used in the evacuation exercise.
The Ministry said it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuations once the exercise had been completed.
It explained that the move was intended to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds used for the humanitarian operation.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry also used the statement to reaffirm Ghana’s commitment to creating a favourable environment for international businesses operating in the country.
It said the government would continue to support an enabling business environment for all international brands operating in Ghana, regardless of the country from which their businesses originated.
The statement emphasised that the welfare of Ghanaians remained the government’s foremost consideration.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the Ministry stated.
MTN Ghana’s proposed GH¢20 million intervention was intended to support Ghanaian victims of the xenophobic attacks in South Africa, amid ongoing efforts by the government to evacuate citizens affected by the unrest and assist with their reintegration upon their return to Ghana.
By 1960news.com
