The Ghanaian Government has rejected a GH¢20 million ($1.8 million) donation proposed by MTN Ghana to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The government said it had already made adequate financial provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks, making it unnecessary to accept the telecommunications company’s offer.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had become aware of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate GH¢20 million to assist Ghanaian victims of the attacks.
The Ministry said the reports appeared to have followed an interview granted by MTN Ghana’s Board Chairman, Ishmael Yamson, in which the proposed support was discussed.
While commending MTN Ghana for its willingness to assist affected citizens, the government said it had decided to respectfully decline the offer.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry explained that the Mahama administration had already allocated sufficient resources to cater for the evacuation of Ghanaians from areas affected by the xenophobic attacks, as well as provide financial support for their reintegration after returning to the country.
It added that the government’s decision had not come as a surprise to MTN, noting that the position was directly communicated to the company’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.
Meanwhile, the government said it remained committed to ensuring the safe return of Ghanaians caught up in the unrest and would continue to provide financial assistance to those evacuated from areas considered unsafe.
The Ministry also assured the public that it would provide a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once the operation had been concluded.
According to the Ministry, the disclosure is intended to promote transparency and accountability and give Ghanaians a clear picture of the funds expended on the humanitarian operation.
The government stressed that its decision to reject the donation should not be interpreted as hostility towards MTN or other international businesses operating in Ghana.
It said it would continue to create a favourable business environment for international brands to operate and succeed in the country, regardless of the countries where their businesses originated.
The Ministry, however, reiterated that the welfare and safety of Ghanaians remain the government’s foremost priority, particularly amid the ongoing efforts to protect citizens affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa.