By Ayodele Oni
The Government of Ghana has revealed that it has already made adequate financial provision for the evacuation and reintegration of citizens affected by xenophobic attack in South Africa.
Government has therefore declined a GHS20 million donation offered by MTN Ghana to support victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa,
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement issued in Accra on Wednesday, revealed that it was aware through media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate GHS20 million to Ghanaian victims of the attacks.
According to the ministry, the reports appeared to attribute the announcement of the intended donation to an interview granted by the MTN Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
While acknowledging the gesture, the government said it had decided not to accept the financial support.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline.”
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the John Mahama Administration has already made adequate provision for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks.
“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that the Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer.”
The ministry further disclosed that the government’s position had previously been communicated directly to MTN’s leadership during a meeting with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP), on August 14, 2026.
“This position of the Government of Ghana had earlier been directly conveyed to the Board Chair and CEO of MTN when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026,” the statement added.
The government, however, stressed that it remained committed to providing humanitarian assistance to Ghanaians being brought back from areas where they faced danger.
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 ministry said.
It also pledged to disclose the total expenditure incurred on the evacuation exercise after its completion, describing the planned disclosure as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
“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 government also sought to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana that it would continue to support their operations irrespective of their countries of origin.
“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from.
“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority.”
The government’s decision comes amid concerns over the safety and welfare of Ghanaians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, with authorities undertaking evacuations and reintegration efforts for citizens brought back from harm’s way.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government’s existing arrangements were sufficient to cover the humanitarian response, making it unnecessary to accept the proposed MTN donation.
Earlier in July, fresh diplomatic tensions emerged between Ghana and South Africa after the Ghanaian government reportedly declined to host South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for a planned state visit, citing concerns over the reported killing of a Ghanaian citizen and alleged xenophobic attacks against its nationals.
The decision follows the death of 40-year-old Bashiru Isak, whom Ghana says was killed during demonstrations associated with renewed attacks on foreign nationals in South Africa on June 30, 2026.
Officials in Accra said the postponement of the visit reflects Ghana’s growing concern over the security of its citizens residing in South Africa.
They maintained that ensuring the safety of Ghanaians abroad must take precedence over high-level diplomatic engagements.
President Ramaphosa had been expected in Ghana during the first week of August for a state visit aimed at reinforcing the longstanding relationship between both countries.
The visit was also expected to provide an opportunity for discussions on bilateral cooperation and concerns surrounding attacks on foreign nationals.
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