The Government of Ghana has declined a GHS20 million ($1.8 million) donation offered by MTN Ghana to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday that the government had already made adequate financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the violence, making it unnecessary to accept the telecommunications company’s proposed intervention.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa, clarified that the decision did not amount to a rejection of MTN Ghana’s goodwill gesture but was based on the government’s existing arrangements for managing the humanitarian response.
In a statement, the ministry said the government appreciated MTN Ghana’s offer but had decided not to accept it.
“Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer. However, we respectfully decline,” the ministry stated.
According to the ministry, the government’s position had already been conveyed to MTN Ghana Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson, and the company’s Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Ablakwa on August 14.
The ministry said the Ghanaian government had been facilitating the evacuation of citizens caught up in the xenophobic violence in South Africa and providing financial assistance to support their reintegration upon their return home.
It added that a comprehensive account of the total expenditure incurred in the evacuation exercise would be published after its completion, in line with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.
The ministry also sought to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana, stressing that the government remained committed to creating a favourable business environment for foreign and local companies.
“The 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,” it said.
MTN Ghana’s proposed GHS20 million intervention would have constituted one of the largest corporate responses associated with the crisis. However, the government maintained that it would rely on its own funding arrangements and existing mechanisms to address the needs of affected citizens.
The decision comes amid heightened concerns across Africa over xenophobic attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa. The violence has renewed debate over the safety of African migrants and the protection of businesses and communities affected by anti-foreigner sentiments.
The Ghanaian government’s response underscores its preference to coordinate the humanitarian assistance and reintegration of affected citizens through state-led arrangements while maintaining engagement with businesses operating in the country.
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