GHANA DECLINES MTN’S GH¢20M AID FOR XENOPHOBIA VICTIMS
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The Ghanaian government has turned down a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to assist citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government was aware of reports that MTN Ghana planned to provide the funds to support Ghanaian victims of the attacks.
While appreciating the telecommunications company for the gesture, the ministry said the offer was respectfully declined because the government had already made adequate financial arrangements for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.
The ministry disclosed that the government’s decision had earlier been communicated to MTN Ghana’s Board Chairman, Ishmael Yamson, and the company’s Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
According to the ministry, the government remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance and financial support to Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa.
It also said a detailed breakdown of the total cost of the evacuation exercise would be made public after its completion to promote transparency and accountability.
Reports had indicated that MTN Ghana initially planned to spend GH¢10 million on receiving returnees but later increased the proposed support to GH¢20 million to establish a fund for their long-term reintegration.
Yamson reportedly admitted that the company should have consulted the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before proceeding with the initiative.
However, MTN Ghana had yet to officially confirm the proposed donation at the time of reporting.
The development comes amid renewed xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa and ongoing efforts by governments to evacuate citizens affected by the violence.
MTN Nigeria had previously supported Nigerians evacuated from South Africa by providing free SIM cards with data worth ₦50,000 and pledging ₦100,000 for each returnee.
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