The Government of Ghana has declined a GHS20 million, about $1.8 million, donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaian citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying adequate financial provisions have already been made for their evacuation and reintegration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision on Wednesday, August 26, explaining that the administration of President John Mahama, working with local partners, had secured sufficient resources to fund the ongoing humanitarian response.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government appreciated MTN’s willingness to assist but did not consider it necessary to accept the proposed contribution under the existing arrangements.

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

The proposed GHS20 million intervention had been linked to comments by MTN Ghana Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson, who spoke about the company’s intention to support citizens affected by the crisis.

The Foreign Affairs Ministry said its decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of MTN’s support for Ghanaian citizens or a hostile position towards the telecommunications company.

Rather, it said the government had already made adequate financial arrangements to cover both the evacuation of affected nationals from South Africa and the support required to reintegrate them after their return to Ghana.

According to the ministry, the government’s position had already been communicated directly to Yamson and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN during a meeting with Ablakwa on August 14.

Ghana has been facilitating the return of citizens caught up in the violence in South Africa amid renewed concerns over attacks targeting foreign nationals.

The government has also been providing financial assistance and other forms of support to those returning home as part of efforts to help them resettle and rebuild their lives.

The administration said it intends to publish a comprehensive account of the total amount spent on the evacuation and reintegration exercise once the operation is concluded.

According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the planned disclosure is consistent with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the management of public resources.

The rejection of MTN’s offer comes as Ghana intensifies its response to xenophobic violence in South Africa, particularly amid concerns over the safety of African migrants, workers and businesses.

The government has also sought to reassure foreign companies operating in Ghana that its decision to decline MTN’s donation would not affect its broader policy towards international investors.

“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 said.

MTN Ghana’s proposed GHS20 million donation would have represented one of the largest corporate interventions connected to the current crisis.

The Ghanaian government, however, has opted to rely on public resources and arrangements already established with local partners, insisting that the needs of affected citizens can be adequately addressed without drawing on the telecom company’s offer.

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