Ghana says NO to MTN’s $1.8m donation for victims of xenophobic attacks in South Africa

Ghana’s government has declined a GHS20 million ($1.8 million) donation offered by MTN Ghana to support Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

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.