Government Declines MTN Ghana’s GH¢20m Donation for Xenophobia Victims
Foreign Affairs Ministry says government has already made adequate financial provisions for evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians
- Government declines MTN Ghana’s GH¢20m offer
- State says funds are already available for evacuation
- Government to publish total evacuation cost after exercise
The Government of Ghana has declined a reported GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, 2026, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of reports that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation.
The reports attributed the proposed contribution to comments by MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.
While commending MTN Ghana for the gesture, the government said it had decided not to accept the donation because adequate financial provisions had already been made for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.
“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the Ministry stated.
According to the Ministry, the government’s position was communicated directly to Dr Yamson and MTN Ghana CEO when they met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, on August 14, 2026.
The Ministry reaffirmed the government’s commitment to the humanitarian evacuation exercise and to providing financial support for the reintegration of every Ghanaian evacuated from harm’s way.
Government to Publish Evacuation Cost
The Ministry also announced plans to publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it has been completed.
It said the disclosure would promote transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The government further reaffirmed its commitment to creating a favourable business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
It stressed that the welfare and protection of Ghanaians would remain its foremost priority as efforts continue to evacuate citizens affected by the xenophobic attacks in South Africa and support their return and reintegration.
