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The Ghanaian government has declined a GHS20 million donation offer from telecommunications company MTN for victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it had made adequate provisions for evacuations and reintegration.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Wednesday that it was aware of media reports suggesting MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation, with the announcement attributed to an interview given by MTN Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the ministry said.
The ministry said the Mahama administration had made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and was therefore unable to accept the offer.
The government had earlier conveyed its position directly to MTN’s board chair and CEO when they met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026, according to the statement.
The government said it remained fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.
The ministry said it would present a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations once the exercise was concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
It stated the government would continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of their country of origin.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” it added.
