The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declined a GHC20 million donation offer from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaian victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, citing adequate state provisions for evacuation and reintegration efforts.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government appreciates the telecom giant’s goodwill but cannot accept the funds.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the statement read.
The decision follows media reports indicating that MTN Ghana, a subsidiary of the South Africa-based MTN Group, was preparing to disburse the amount for affected Ghanaians.
Those reports attributed the initiative to an interview with the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
According to the Ministry, the government has already made adequate financial arrangements for the ongoing evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa and their subsequent reintegration upon return.
The Ministry stressed that it was therefore not in a position to accept external contributions for the purpose.
“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 statement said.
The Ministry disclosed that the government’s position had been personally communicated to MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Minister Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.
The statement reiterated the government’s full commitment to the humanitarian exercise, promising that every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way would receive the needed support.
“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 added.
In a bid to ensure transparency and public accountability, the Ministry assured that a full breakdown of the total cost of the evacuation exercise would be made public once the operation is concluded.
“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 statement noted.
The Ministry further reaffirmed the government’s commitment to maintaining a favourable business environment for all international brands operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin. It added that the welfare of all Ghanaians remains the administration’s overriding priority.
