The Government of Ghana has declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, insisting that adequate state resources have already been provided for their evacuation and reintegration.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of reports that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation following comments attributed to the company’s Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
While commending the telecommunications company for the gesture, government said it would not accept the offer.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline.”
According to the Ministry, the Mahama administration has made adequate provision for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians and therefore does not require the proposed financial assistance from MTN.
The statement disclosed that government’s position had already been communicated directly to the Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of MTN when they called on Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
The Ministry stressed that government remains committed to the ongoing humanitarian evacuation exercise and to providing reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought home from harm’s way.
It also pledged greater transparency over the financial implications of the operation, announcing that a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuations will be made public once the exercise is completed.
The Ministry said the disclosure would be made in the interest of transparency and accountability.
Government further assured international companies operating in Ghana that it would continue to provide a conducive business environment regardless of their countries of origin.
The decision comes against the backdrop of tensions generated by recent anti-migrant incidents in South Africa and Ghana’s efforts to protect and repatriate affected nationals. Reports in July indicated that the developments had also generated diplomatic tensions between Accra and Pretoria.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry maintained that the welfare of Ghanaians remains government’s foremost priority, as evacuation and reintegration efforts continue.
