Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The Government of Ghana has formally declined a GH¢20 million (approximately ₦2.4 billion) donation from MTN Ghana intended to support citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, explained that the Mahama administration had already made adequate financial provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
The government's decision came after media reports attributed the proposed donation to an interview granted by MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson. While acknowledging the gesture, the Ministry stated its position clearly: "The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline". According to the Ministry, this position had already been communicated directly to MTN's Chairman and CEO during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
The government maintained that it remains fully committed to the humanitarian evacuation and reintegration of its citizens. In the interest of transparency, the Ministry pledged to present a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is concluded. The rejection of the donation, officials stressed, carries no adverse implications for MTN's operations in Ghana.
The development follows weeks of renewed xenophobic attacks in South Africa that have forced African governments to evacuate citizens and placed South African-linked businesses under pressure. Ghana has reportedly repatriated about 1,600 citizens from South Africa in a phased exercise expected to bring home approximately 800 Ghanaians. In Nigeria, MTN had previously supported Nigerians evacuated from South Africa by donating free SIM packs with data and pledging payments to returnees.
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