Xenophobic attacks: Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation for affected citizen

Xenophobic attacks: Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation for affected citizen

The Ghanaian government has declined a GH¢20 million ($1.8 million) donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying adequate funds have already been provided for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration exercise.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, explaining that the government had already made sufficient financial provisions to assist Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa and those returning home.

The ministry said it became aware of the proposed donation following comments attributed to MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, regarding the company’s plans to establish a support fund for affected Ghanaians.

While appreciating MTN Ghana for its willingness to assist, the government said it had decided not to accept the offer because funding for the humanitarian response was already in place.

The ministry said the government’s position had previously been communicated directly to Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.

The government said its decision was not intended to discourage MTN or diminish the value of the company’s gesture. Rather, it said the existing arrangements meant additional financial support from the telecommunications company was not required for the current evacuation programme.

MTN Ghana had reportedly considered setting aside GH¢10 million for immediate assistance to Ghanaians affected by the violence before increasing the proposed amount to GH¢20 million to provide more comprehensive support.

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The expanded intervention was expected to assist returnees with rebuilding their livelihoods after their arrival in Ghana, rather than limiting the support to their immediate evacuation needs.

The renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa have raised concerns about the safety and wellbeing of Ghanaian nationals living in the country. Ghanaian authorities have consequently been working to evacuate citizens who feel unsafe or have been directly affected by the violence.

The Ghanaian government said it remains committed to providing humanitarian assistance and financial reintegration support to every Ghanaian evacuated from South Africa as a result of the attacks.

Authorities also said the evacuation programme would be properly accounted for, with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs promising to publish a comprehensive breakdown of its total cost once the exercise is concluded.

According to the ministry, the planned disclosure is aimed at strengthening transparency and accountability in the management of public funds used for the operation.

The government also moved to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana that its decision to decline MTN’s offer would not affect its relationship with foreign-owned companies.

The ministry said Ghana would continue to support international companies and maintain a favourable business environment for businesses operating in the country, irrespective of their countries of origin.

MTN Ghana’s proposed intervention was part of broader private-sector concern over the plight of Ghanaians affected by the violence. The company had expressed its willingness to support citizens who were returning home after facing insecurity in South Africa.

The government, however, maintained that the welfare of Ghanaians remains its utmost priority and that existing government resources would be used to support those affected throughout the evacuation and reintegration process.

The decision to decline the donation therefore reflects the government’s assessment that the current funding arrangements are sufficient, rather than a rejection of MTN Ghana’s willingness to assist citizens affected by the crisis.

Xenophobic attacks: Ghana rejects MTN’s $1.8m donation for affected citizen