The government has turned down a GH¢20 million support offer from MTN Ghana intended to assist 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 decided not to accept the proposed assistance because the government had already made financial arrangements to support the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaian nationals.
The Ministry said it was aware of reports attributing the proposed donation to MTN Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, and commended the company for its willingness to support the affected citizens.
However, it said the government had informed MTN that it would not require the financial assistance.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline.”
According to the Ministry, adequate resources had already been provided by the John Mahama administration to cover the ongoing evacuation and reintegration programme.
It said the decision was communicated directly to Dr Yamson and the MTN Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
Government promises full support for returnees
Despite declining the corporate donation, the government said it remained committed to providing financial assistance to Ghanaians being evacuated from South Africa.
It assured that humanitarian support would continue for citizens brought back from areas affected by the attacks.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,”
the Ministry stated.
The government also pledged to publish a comprehensive account of the expenditure incurred on the evacuation exercise once the programme is completed.
The disclosure, it said, would form part of efforts to ensure transparency and accountability in the use of public funds.
Govt reassures international businesses
The Ministry also used the opportunity to reassure MTN and other international companies operating in Ghana of the government’s support.
It said the government remained committed to creating a favourable business environment for companies regardless of their country of origin.
“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from.”
The decision comes as Ghana continues efforts to evacuate and reintegrate nationals affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry did not disclose the current total cost of the exercise but said the full financial details would be made public after the evacuation programme is concluded.
