Xenophobic Attacks: Ghana Rejects MTN’s GHS20m Donation

The Ghanaian government has rejected a GHS20 million donation offered by MTN Ghana to assist citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government had already made adequate financial arrangements for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.

In a statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, the ministry said it became aware of media reports that MTN Ghana planned to provide the funds to support victims of the attacks.

It said the reported donation was linked to comments made by MTN Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, during an interview.

Although the government appreciated MTN’s gesture, it said the proposed financial support would not be accepted.

“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the ministry said.

According to the ministry, the government had previously informed MTN’s leadership of its decision during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.

“This position of the Government of Ghana had earlier been directly conveyed to the Board Chair and CEO of MTN when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026,” the statement said.

The ministry said the government remained committed to providing humanitarian and financial assistance to Ghanaians being evacuated from areas where their lives and safety were at risk.

“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.

It also promised to publish details of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it had been concluded.

“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,” the ministry said.

The government further assured foreign companies operating in Ghana that they would continue to receive its support regardless of where their businesses originated.

“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,” it said.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the ministry added.

The rejection comes against the backdrop of heightened concerns over the safety of Ghanaians living in South Africa following renewed attacks targeting foreign nationals.

Ghanaian authorities have been facilitating the evacuation and reintegration of citizens affected by the attacks, insisting that existing government funding is sufficient to cover the exercise.

Tensions between Ghana and South Africa also increased in July following reports that the Ghanaian government declined to host President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit.

The decision was reportedly linked to concerns over the safety of Ghanaians in South Africa, particularly following the reported killing of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak during demonstrations associated with renewed attacks on foreign nationals on June 30, 2026.

Ramaphosa was expected to visit Ghana in the first week of August to strengthen bilateral relations and discuss areas of cooperation between the two countries.

However, Ghanaian officials maintained that protecting its citizens abroad had to take priority amid concerns over the security situation in South Africa.

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