The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said on Wednesday, August 26, that the government had already made adequate financial provisions for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks, making it unnecessary to accept MTN’s offer.
Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the Mahama administration, together with local partners, had already made sufficient provisions to fund the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.
The ministry said media reports about the donation appeared to have been based on comments by MTN Ghana Board Chairman Dr. Ishmael Yamson, who had spoken about the company’s intended contribution.
“Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline,” the ministry said in a press statement.
Ghana says it has funded evacuations and reintegration
The government said its decision was not a rejection of MTN’s support for Ghanaian citizens, but reflected its existing arrangements to finance the ongoing humanitarian response.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said the position had already been communicated directly to Yamson and MTN Chief Executive Officer during their meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
Ghana has been facilitating the evacuation of citizens caught up in the violence and providing financial support for their reintegration after their return.
The government said it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is completed, describing the disclosure as part of its commitment to transparency and accountability.
The rejection comes as Ghana continues to respond to attacks targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, amid concerns over xenophobic violence and its impact on African migrants and businesses.
The government also sought to reassure international companies operating in Ghana that its decision would not affect its approach to foreign investors.
“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 ministry said.
MTN Ghana’s proposed GHS20 million contribution would have been one of the largest corporate interventions linked to the ongoing crisis, but the government has opted to rely on its own funding and arrangements with local partners instead.
