Gov’t Rejects MTN’s GH¢20m Xenophobia Support Offer

The Government of Ghana has declined a GH¢20 million support offer from MTN Ghana intended to assist Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it has already made adequate financial provisions for their evacuation and reintegration. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement dated August 26, 2026, said the government appreciated the telecommunications company’s offer but had decided not to accept it because the Mahama administration had already put measures in place to provide financial support for Ghanaians brought back from harm’s way.

The ministry said it became aware of media reports suggesting the GH¢20 million donation and clarified that the offer made by MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson has been declined. “The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the ministry said. It explained that the government’s position had already been communicated directly to Dr Yamson and MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer during a telephone conversation with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.

The development comes after MTN Ghana announced a GH¢20 million intervention for Ghanaians returning from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks against African migrants. The company initially earmarked GH¢10 million for the affected returnees but later doubled the amount after determining that immediate assistance alone would not adequately address their longer-term needs. The proposed fund was intended to help returnees rebuild their livelihoods and regain economic stability.

Government’s rejection of the offer does not, however, signal a withdrawal of support for the affected nationals. The Foreign Affairs Ministry said the government remained “fully committed” to the ongoing humanitarian evacuation and reintegration programme and would continue providing financial assistance to Ghanaians returning from the affected areas. The renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa have affected foreign African nationals, including Ghanaians, with Ghanaian authorities undertaking evacuation efforts for nationals who no longer felt safe remaining in the country. More than 1,000 Ghanaians have reportedly been evacuated as part of the government’s response.

The ministry said its priority was to ensure that Ghanaians evacuated from situations of danger received the necessary support to return home and reintegrate into society. It also sought to address concerns over the cost of the evacuation exercise, promising to provide the public with a comprehensive account of the total expenditure once the operation is concluded. “This will be in the interest of transparency and accountability,” the ministry said. The government’s decision comes amid heightened public and corporate attention to the plight of Ghanaians affected by the violence in South Africa.

MTN Ghana had previously acknowledged that its response to the attacks was slower than it should have been. Dr Yamson expressed regret that the company had not moved faster and said the GH¢20 million intervention was intended to provide meaningful, longer-term assistance rather than only temporary relief. The ministry also assured international businesses operating in Ghana that the government would continue to promote a favourable business environment regardless of the countries from which those companies originated. It said the welfare and protection of Ghanaians remained its foremost priority.

By: Joyce Owusu