Government of Ghana has declined MTN Ghana’s offer to donate GH¢20 million to support Ghanaians affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa. Government of Ghana says Government of Ghana has already made financial provision for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration exercise.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced the decision in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26 2026. Ministry of Foreign Affairs followed media reports that MTN Ghana intended to provide the support.
The reports followed comments attributed to MTN Ghana’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson regarding the proposed donation.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the government appreciates MTN Ghana’s generous offer but has decided not to accept the proposed support.
According to Ministry of Foreign Affairs Government of Ghana’s decision had already been communicated to MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
The development means GH¢20 million offered by MTN Ghana will not form part of the resources being used by Government of Ghana for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained that the Mahama administration, working with partners had made “adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians” affected by the situation in South Africa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said there was no need to accept MTN Ghana’s proposed financial contribution.
Government of Ghana reaffirmed its commitment to funding the evacuation exercise and providing reintegration assistance to every Ghanaian brought back from South Africa.
The decision comes as authorities continue efforts to assist Ghanaians seeking to leave areas affected by violence and other security concerns in South Africa.
The evacuation exercise has involved coordination between diplomatic authorities, officials in South Africa and other stakeholders to facilitate the safe return of affected citizens.
While Government of Ghana has rejected MTN Ghana’s contribution Ministry of Foreign Affairs statement indicates that private‑sector involvement and cooperation with businesses remain part of the broader response.
Government of Ghana has also sought to address concerns over the implications of the evacuation exercise.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs pledged to publish an account of the total cost of the operation after the evacuation exercise has been completed.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assured the public that it would disclose a comprehensive account of the total evacuation costs once the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability.
The planned disclosure could provide the public with details of how much has been spent on transportation, logistical arrangements, reintegration support and other assistance provided to returning Ghanaians.
The commitment is particularly relevant amid interest in Government of Ghana expenditure on the evacuation programme. Providing a financial account after the evacuation exercise would allow citizens to better understand the scale of resources committed and how those resources were utilised.
It could also clarify the extent to which Government of Ghana funding and support from partners have contributed to the evacuation exercise.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs also used the opportunity to reaffirm Government of Ghana’s commitment to maintaining a business environment for international companies operating in Ghana.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that the decision to decline MTN Ghana’s donation should not be interpreted as hostility towards MTN Ghana or businesses with origins.
“Government of Ghana will continue to create the business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from ” Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
MTN Ghana is part of the telecommunications sector in Ghana and has maintained a significant presence in the country. Government of Ghana’s statement therefore sought to distinguish its decision regarding the evacuation donation from its relationship with international businesses operating within Ghana.
Government of Ghana’s decision to decline GH¢20 million offer does not affect its stated commitment to continue supporting Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs said adequate resources had already been provided for the evacuation and reintegration efforts with assistance intended to support affected citizens as they return to Ghana.
The situation has also highlighted the importance of cooperation between Government of Ghana agencies, diplomatic missions and private‑sector stakeholders when responding to emergencies involving citizens abroad.
For now Government of Ghana maintains that it has financial arrangements in place to complete the evacuation exercise without MTN Ghana’s proposed contribution.
The eventual publication of the evacuation cost will provide a clearer picture of the financial scale of the operation and could help strengthen public accountability.
As the evacuation exercise continues attention will remain on the number of Ghanaians evacuated the support provided after their return and Government of Ghana’s eventual financial report, on the operation.