The government has declined a GH¢20 million donation reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had become aware of reports that MTN Ghana intended to provide the support following comments by the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
While commending MTN Ghana for the gesture, the Ministry said the government had already made adequate financial arrangements to fund the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
It said the decision had already been communicated to Dr Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
The government nevertheless assured the public that it remained committed to financing the ongoing evacuation and reintegration exercise.
The Ministry also promised to publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation once the exercise is completed, as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability.
Meanwhile, MTN Ghana had earlier indicated its intention to provide GH¢20 million to support Ghanaian returnees. Dr Yamson had apologised for what he described as the company’s delayed response to the xenophobic attacks and said the initial GH¢10 million support package was subsequently doubled to GH¢20 million.
