Ghana has declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from telecommunications company MTN Ghana. The amount is equivalent to $1.6 million and was proposed to support citizens evacuated from South Africa following the recent xenophobic attacks and rising anti-immigrant tensions.
The decision was announced by the Foreign Affairs Ministry of Ghana on Wednesday, August 26, 2026. The government stated that it had already made sufficient financial arrangements for the evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the violence.
Reportedly, over 1,000 Ghanaians were evacuated from South Africa as part of the ongoing humanitarian response. The ministry was already aware of the reports that MTN Ghana was planning to provide the financial support following the comments attributed to the Board Chairman of the company – Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
The government of Ghana appreciated the offer presented by the company and said that the donation was not actually required because adequate provisions were already made to support the affected citizens.
According to the ministry, the Government of Ghana commended MTN for the offer and said, “However, we respectfully decline it.”
The Foreign Affairs Ministry further explained that the decision was based on the existing arrangements made by the government to finance both the evacuation process and the reintegration of citizens returning to Ghana.
Ghana 🇬🇭 has declined a GH¢20 million ($1.6 million) donation from MTN Ghana, a subsidiary of the South African multinational company MTN Group, to support Ghanaians evacuated from South Africa 🇿🇦 following recent xenophobic attacks and rising anti-immigrant tensions.
According… pic.twitter.com/ZXVvNqwS0X
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) August 26, 2026
During a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister – Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026 the government’s position was already communicated directly to MTN Ghana’s leadership.
The minister informed the Board Chairman of the company and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the company that the government had already made the necessary provisions for the humanitarian operation.
The ministry clarified that the government is fully committed to ensure that every Ghanaian evacuated from affected areas receives the necessary support to rebuild their lives after returning home.
Once the operation is completed, they also pledged to provide the public with a detailed account of the total costs of the evacuation exercise. The initiative aims to ensure transparency and accountability in the management of public funds.
The government further reassured the international companies operating in Ghana that its decision to decline MTN Ghana’s offer will not affect the commitment of the country to maintain a favourable environment for businesses. The ministry said that the government will continue to support the international brands and companies operating in Ghana, regardless of the countries from which they originate.
The humanitarian evacuation programme remains ongoing as the government continues its efforts to bring Ghanaians affected by the violence and anti-immigrant tensions in South Africa back home safely.
The Foreign Affairs Ministry said that the welfare and safety of Ghanaian citizens remain as the highest priority of the government. Also, it will continue to provide the financial and humanitarian assistance to those returning from affected areas.