The Ghanaian government has rejected a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana meant to support citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa. The amount is roughly equal to ₦2.4 billion.

In a statement shared by Foreign Minister Samuel Ablakwa on Wednesday, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it became aware of media reports about the planned donation. The government commended MTN for the offer but respectfully declined it.

Officials explained that the Mahama administration has already made adequate arrangements for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa. For this reason, the ministry said it was unable to accept the contribution.

The government’s position was earlier communicated directly to MTN Board Chairman Dr. Ishmael Yamson and the company’s Chief Executive Officer during a visit on August 14. The ministry promised to release a full account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is completed, in the interest of transparency.

The decision follows reports that MTN initially planned to spend GH¢10 million on welcoming returnees and later intended to set up an additional GH¢10 million fund for longer-term support. The development occurs amid renewed attacks on African migrants in South Africa and related government-led evacuation efforts.

Photo credit: Punch Newspaper