Ghana rejects MTN’s GH¢20m support for xenophobia victims

Ghana's government has officially declined a proposed GH¢20 million (approximately ₦2.4 billion) donation from MTN Ghana. The funds were intended to support Ghanaian citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, through Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa, acknowledged media reports attributing the donation offer to MTN's Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson. While commending MTN for the gesture, the ministry stated that the Mahama administration has already made sufficient financial provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians from South Africa.

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

According to the ministry's statement, this position was directly conveyed to Dr. Yamson and the MTN Chief Executive Officer during a meeting on August 14, 2026. The government assured the public of its commitment to the humanitarian evacuations and reintegration efforts, promising a comprehensive financial report upon the exercise's conclusion to ensure transparency and accountability.

The government's decision comes as reports indicated MTN Ghana initially planned to allocate GH¢10 million for welcoming returnees, with an additional GH¢10 million for their longer-term reintegration. This situation unfolds against the backdrop of renewed xenophobic violence in South Africa targeting African migrants, prompting government-led evacuation efforts. Notably, MTN had previously provided support to Nigerians evacuated from South Africa, including free SIM packs and financial assistance.

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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.