The Government of Ghana has declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, stating that it had already made adequate financial provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians .
The decision was contained in a press statement issued Wednesday by Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which said the government became aware of media reports suggesting that MTN was preparing to make the donation following comments attributed to the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
While commending MTN for the gesture, the government said it would not accept the proposed donation. “The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the ministry stated .
According to the statement, the government’s decision was based on existing arrangements for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that the Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer,” it said .
The ministry disclosed that the government had already communicated its position directly to MTN’s leadership during a meeting between Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa and the company’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer on August 14, 2026 .
The government also promised to publish details of the expenditure incurred on the evacuation exercise once it is completed. “The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures 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,” it said .
The government further assured international companies operating in Ghana that its decision to decline MTN’s offer would not affect its commitment to creating a favourable business environment. “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 ministry stated .
The government concluded by reiterating its priority in the ongoing humanitarian response, saying, “The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority.”
