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🇬🇭 Ghana /Culture & Society

Ghana government rejects GH¢20 million donation from MTN for xenophobia victims

From Ghanaian Times · () English

Translated from English, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Official statement Outcome reported
  • The Government of Ghana has declined a GH¢20 million donation offered by MTN Ghana to aid Ghanaian victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
  • The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the government has already made sufficient provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.
  • The government assured its commitment to supporting the ongoing humanitarian efforts and will provide a transparent account of all costs after the exercise concludes.

The Government of Ghana has respectfully turned down a substantial GH¢20 million donation from telecommunications company MTN Ghana, which was intended to support Ghanaian nationals affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on August 26, 2026, acknowledging media reports about the proposed donation, which were reportedly attributed to an interview with MTN Board Chairman Dr. Ishmael Yamson.

In its statement, the Ministry commended MTN for the generous offer but explained that the Mahama administration has already allocated adequate resources for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians impacted by the violence. Consequently, the government felt unable to accept the donation. This decision was reportedly communicated directly to MTN's Board Chair and CEO when they met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.

The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline.

— Ministry of Foreign AffairsStating the government's decision to decline MTN's donation for xenophobia victims.

The government reiterated its full commitment to the humanitarian efforts, including the current evacuations and financial assistance for the reintegration of all Ghanaians returning from South Africa. The Ministry assured the public that a comprehensive financial report detailing the total costs of the evacuation exercise will be presented upon its completion, emphasizing transparency and accountability. The statement also affirmed the government's dedication to fostering a favorable business environment for all international companies operating in Ghana.

"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," the Ministry added, underscoring the government's primary focus on its citizens' well-being.

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.

— Ministry of Foreign AffairsReaffirming the government's commitment to both its citizens' welfare and a positive business environment.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Ghanaian Times in English. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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