The government has declined a GH¢20 million support package reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to assist Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks
The government has declined a GH¢20 million support package reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to assist Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, explaining that the state has already made financial arrangements to evacuate and reintegrate citizens caught up in the crisis.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, following media reports that MTN Ghana was preparing to provide the funds to support Ghanaian victims and returnees.
The reports were linked to comments by MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
While acknowledging the gesture and commending MTN Ghana for its willingness to assist, the government said it had decided not to accept the proposed contribution because the Mahama administration had already made adequate financial provisions for the humanitarian response.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Foreign Affairs Ministry, the decision was communicated directly to Dr Yamson and the MTN Ghana Chief Executive Officer when they met Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
Ishmael Yamson- MTN Ghana Board Chairman
The government maintained that its priority remains the safe evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
The government stressed that declining MTN’s offer should not be interpreted as a withdrawal of support for affected Ghanaians.
The Ministry said the state remains fully committed to financing the ongoing evacuation exercise and providing reintegration assistance to citizens brought back from situations of danger.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the Ministry said.
However, the government has not yet disclosed the total amount being spent on the evacuation and reintegration exercise.
It has promised to publish a comprehensive account of the expenditure after the exercise has been 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,” the statement added.
The GH¢20 million proposal emerged after MTN Ghana faced criticism over its perceived delay in publicly responding to the xenophobic attacks.
The criticism was particularly significant because MTN Ghana forms part of a South African-founded multinational telecommunications group.
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