Ghana Rejects MTN’s GH¢20 Million Donation for Ghanaians Affected by Xenophobic Attacks in South Africa

The Government of Ghana has declined a GH¢20 million support offer from MTN Ghana intended to assist Ghanaians affected by renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, explaining that the government had already made adequate financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaian nationals.

Government Thanks MTN for the Gesture

Despite declining the offer, the government expressed appreciation to MTN Ghana for its willingness to support affected citizens.

The Ministry said the decision was not a rejection of MTN's goodwill but was based on the government's existing arrangements to finance the ongoing evacuation and reintegration programme.

The government's position had reportedly already been communicated to MTN Ghana's Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, and the company's Chief Executive Officer during their August 14 meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa.

Why MTN Offered GH¢20 Million

MTN Ghana had announced the proposed GH¢20 million support package earlier in August following renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

According to Dr Ishmael Yamson, the company initially set aside GH¢10 million to welcome and support Ghanaians returning home. MTN subsequently doubled the amount after determining that immediate relief alone would not be enough to address the longer-term challenges facing the returnees.

The additional funding was intended to help establish a support fund through which affected Ghanaians could rebuild their livelihoods and restart their lives after returning home.

More Than 1,600 Ghanaians Reportedly Repatriated

The proposed intervention comes as Ghana continues efforts to bring citizens home from South Africa amid concerns over renewed xenophobic violence.

Reports indicate that more than 1,600 Ghanaians have so far been repatriated from South Africa as part of the government-led evacuation exercise.

The attacks have raised concerns over the safety of African migrants in South Africa, with Ghanaian nationals among those affected.

Government Says It Has Made Adequate Provision

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that the government has sufficient resources to handle the current evacuation and reintegration programme.

It therefore respectfully declined MTN Ghana's proposed financial contribution while acknowledging the company's commitment to helping affected citizens.

The development has nevertheless generated public discussion, particularly over whether accepting additional private-sector assistance could have provided further resources for returnees.

A Broader Debate Over Corporate Support

MTN's proposed GH¢20 million intervention highlights the growing role of businesses in responding to humanitarian emergencies.

For many observers, the issue goes beyond the amount of money involved. It raises questions about how government agencies, private companies and civil society organisations should collaborate when citizens face crises outside the country.

While the government says it can independently finance the response, MTN's offer demonstrates the willingness of the private sector to contribute to the welfare of affected Ghanaians.

What Happens Next?

With the government continuing its evacuation and reintegration efforts, attention will now turn to how returning Ghanaians are supported after arriving home.

The key challenge will be ensuring that those who lost businesses, homes, jobs or other sources of livelihood in South Africa receive meaningful assistance as they begin rebuilding their lives in Ghana.

What do you think about the government's decision to decline MTN Ghana's GH¢20 million offer?