Ghana Turns Down MTN’s GH¢20m Support for South Africa Attack Victims

The Ghanaian government has rejected a proposed GH¢20 million (about ₦2.4 billion) donation from MTN Ghana to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government appreciated MTN Ghana’s offer but declined it because the administration had already made adequate financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of affected citizens.

The ministry said the decision had previously been communicated to MTN Ghana’s board chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, and the company’s chief executive officer during their meeting with Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.

Reports had indicated that MTN Ghana initially planned to spend GH¢10 million on receiving Ghanaians returning from South Africa and later proposed an additional GH¢10 million for their long-term reintegration.

The ministry assured the public that the government would remain responsible for the humanitarian evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians brought back from danger. It also promised to publish a full account of the evacuation costs once the exercise is completed.

MTN Ghana had not publicly commented on the government’s decision at the time of the report.

The development comes amid renewed xenophobic attacks against African migrants in South Africa, with Ghana and other countries arranging evacuations for affected citizens.

In a similar response in Nigeria, MTN previously supported Nigerians evacuated from South Africa by providing free SIM cards with ₦50,000 worth of data and pledging ₦100,000 for each returnee.

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