The Government of Ghana through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration has declined a proposed GHS20 million donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, said it had become aware of media reports suggesting that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation to Ghanaian victims of the attacks.
According to the Ministry, the reports appeared to have originated from comments made by MTN Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, in an interview.
Although the government expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for the gesture, it said it had decided not to accept the offer.
The Ministry explained that the Mahama administration had already made adequate financial provisions to support the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
It said the government’s position had previously been communicated directly to the MTN Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
The government said it remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance and financial support to Ghanaians being evacuated from areas affected by the xenophobic attacks.
It further assured the public that every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way would receive the necessary support as part of the ongoing evacuation and reintegration programme.
The Ministry also pledged to publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise after its completion.
It said the disclosure would be made in the interest of transparency and accountability, allowing the public to know the resources expended on the exercise.
Meanwhile, the government reaffirmed its commitment to creating a conducive business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their countries of origin.
The Ministry stressed that the welfare and protection of Ghanaian citizens remained the government’s foremost priority.
