Government Declines MTN’s GH¢20m Offer for Ghanaian Xenophobic Attack Victims

The Government has declined an intended GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana towards support for Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said media reports about the proposed donation appeared to have attributed the offer to an interview granted by MTN Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.

A statement issued by the Ministry said, although the Government commends MTN Ghana’s offer, it had made adequate financial arrangements to support the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.

The Ministry reaffirms that the Government has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer.

According to the release, this position of the Government had earlier been directly conveyed to the Board Chair and CEO of MTN when they called on the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026.

“Meanwhile, the Government remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way,” it noted.

The Ministry assured that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability.

The release said Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” it added.

Joyce Adwoa Animia Ocran, ISD