Ghana Rejects MTN’s GH¢20m Xenophobia Aid

• The Ghanaian government has rejected MTN Ghana’s proposed GH¢20 million donation for Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

• The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the decision was communicated directly to MTN Ghana’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, and its Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.

• MTN Ghana had reportedly considered spending GH¢10 million initially on receiving returnees before expanding the proposal to GH¢20 million, with the additional amount intended to support their longer-term reintegration.

• The government said it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise after its completion, while assuring international companies operating in Ghana of continued government support and a favourable business environment.

August 26, () — The Government of Ghana has declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it has already made adequate financial provisions for their evacuation and reintegration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs disclosed this in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, following media reports that the telecommunications company was preparing to provide financial assistance to Ghanaians caught up in the attacks.

While commending the company for the gesture, the government said it had decided against accepting the proposal announced by MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.

“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry said.

According to the statement, the government’s decision was not a recent development, as its position had already been communicated to Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.

The Ministry explained that the administration of President John Mahama, working with local partners, had made adequate financial arrangements to fund the ongoing evacuation of Ghanaians from South Africa and provide support for their reintegration upon return.

“The Mahama administration, together with local partners, had made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians,” the Ministry said.

It added that, based on the existing arrangements, the government was unable to accept MTN Ghana’s financial support.

Government To Account For Evacuation Costs

The Ministry, however, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that every Ghanaian evacuated from harm’s way receives the necessary support for reintegration.

It said the government would continue to fund the ongoing humanitarian evacuation exercise and provide reintegration assistance to affected citizens returning from South Africa.

The government also promised to disclose the financial details of the operation once the evacuation exercise is completed.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures 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 statement said.

The Government also reiterate commitment to creating a conducive environment for international businesses operating in Ghana.

It stressed that the government’s decision to decline MTN’s offer should not be interpreted as hostility towards the company or other international businesses operating in the country.

“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 Ministry said.