The Government of Ghana has declined the proposed MTN Ghana GH¢20 million donation intended to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday, August 26, government said it appreciated the offer but had already made sufficient financial provision for the evacuation and reintegration of affected nationals.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry said.
The statement follows media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to commit GH¢20 million to assist returning Ghanaians whose lives and livelihoods were disrupted by the violence.
Government Says Support Already Provided
The Ministry said the Mahama administration had already committed resources to ongoing evacuation operations and reintegration support.
“The Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer,” the statement said.
Government added that the position had previously been communicated directly to MTN Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson and the company’s Chief Executive Officer when they met Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
Full Cost of Evacuations to Be Published
The Ministry also pledged to account publicly for the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is completed.
It said the disclosure would be made “in the interest of transparency and accountability.”
Government further stressed that support would continue for every Ghanaian brought back from South Africa under the humanitarian evacuation programme.
The Ministry also sought to separate the decision from Ghana’s broader relationship with international companies operating locally, saying government would continue to create a supportive business environment “irrespective of which country their businesses originated from.”
It added that the welfare of Ghanaians remains the administration’s “utmost priority.”
The development effectively closes the door on MTN Ghana’s proposed financial intervention, at least for now, while government continues to fund the evacuation and reintegration process directly.
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