- Ghana’s government has declined MTN Ghana’s proposed GH¢20 million support package.
- Government says it has already made adequate financial provisions for evacuation and reintegration.
- Authorities will publish the total cost of the evacuation exercise after its completion.
The Government of Ghana has rejected a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, saying the government appreciated MTN Ghana’s gesture but had already made adequate provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.
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The proposed donation followed comments attributed to MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, who indicated the company’s intention to provide financial assistance to victims of the attacks.
However, the government said it could not accept the offer because sufficient arrangements had already been made to cater for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated.
The ministry disclosed that the government’s position had already been communicated directly to Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
It further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting Ghanaians evacuated from areas affected by the violence, including financial assistance to help them reintegrate after their return.
The government also promised to provide the public with a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is concluded.
The ministry said the disclosure would be made in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Ghana has undertaken evacuation exercises for nationals affected by the xenophobic violence in South Africa, with the government pledging support for the affected citizens upon their return.
The government stressed that its decision to decline MTN Ghana’s donation should not be interpreted as hostility towards the telecommunications company or other international businesses operating in the country.
It assured international companies that it would continue to provide a favourable environment for them to operate and succeed, regardless of their country of origin.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that the welfare of Ghanaian citizens remains a priority as efforts continue to evacuate and reintegrate those affected by the attacks.
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