The Government of Ghana has declined a GH¢20 million donation reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of media reports suggesting that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation.
The reports attributed the intended contribution to comments by Chairman of the MTN Ghana Board, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
While commending MTN Ghana for the gesture, the government said it had decided not to accept the offer because it had already made adequate financial provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
The Ministry said the government’s position had already been communicated directly to Dr Yamson and the Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.
It stressed that the government remained fully committed to the humanitarian evacuation exercise and providing financial support for the reintegration of every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.
The Ministry also assured the public that it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it had been completed.
According to the Ministry, the disclosure is intended to promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
“Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way,” the statement said.
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to creating a favourable business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
It said the welfare and protection of Ghanaians would remain its foremost priority.
The development comes as Ghana continues efforts to evacuate citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa and support their return and reintegration into society.
