The Government of Ghana has declined a GH¢20 million donation reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, said the government had become aware of media reports suggesting that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation to Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
According to the Ministry, the reported offer was attributed to comments made by MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, during an interview.
Although the government commended MTN for the gesture, it said it had decided not to accept the offer because adequate arrangements had already been made to support Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry said the Mahama administration had made adequate provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians from South Africa, making it unnecessary for the government to accept the proposed donation.
It added that the position had earlier been communicated directly to MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer when they met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.
The government, however, said it remained committed to providing humanitarian evacuation and reintegration support to every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.
The Ministry further assured the public that it would provide a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it was completed, as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
It also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to creating a favourable business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the Ministry said.
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