Ghana rejects MTN’s GH¢20m offThe Government of Ghana has respectfully declined a GHS20 million donation offer from MTN Ghana intended for Ghanaian victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a press statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had become aware of media reports suggesting that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate GHS20 million for Ghanaian victims, with the reports attributing the announcement to an interview granted by MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry, the Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for the ongoing evacuations and reintegration of affected Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept the offer.
The Ministry disclosed that its position had already been directly conveyed to MTN’s Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026.
MTN Board Chairman Dr. Yamson had earlier disclosed in an interview that the company initially set aside GHS10 million to welcome back returnees but later doubled it to GHS20 million after assessing that long-term support to help affected Ghanaians rebuild their livelihoods would be more beneficial.
Dr. Yamson acknowledged that MTN should have engaged the Foreign Affairs Ministry earlier on the intervention.
The Ministry emphasized that Government remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.
Over 1,600 Ghanaians have so far been evacuated in a phased exercise, with government providing a reintegration package including grants for returnees.
The Ministry further assured that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The statement also stressed that 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 welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the statement concluded.
