Government declines MTN’s GH¢20m donation for Ghanaian victims of South Africa attacks

The Government of Ghana has declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to support Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, said the government had already made adequate provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.

The Ministry said it had become aware of media reports suggesting that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate the funds to affected Ghanaians.

According to the statement, the reports attributed the proposed donation to comments by MTN Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.

“Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.

It explained that the government’s position had earlier been communicated directly to the MTN Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Ralph Mupita, when they met the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.

The Ministry further assured that the government remains committed to providing humanitarian evacuation and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.

It said a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise would be presented to the public once the exercise is concluded, as part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability.

The government also assured international companies operating in Ghana that it remains committed to creating a favourable business environment for all international brands, regardless of their country of origin.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the Ministry added.

By Kukua Snead-Michaels