Ghana declines MTN Ghana’s GHS20m donation for evacuees

By Echos News ZA Editorial Team
Published: Aug 27, 2026

Ghana’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has confirmed that it declined MTN Ghana’s GHS20 million donation intended to support citizens evacuated from South Africa following attacks. The government explained that sufficient financial provisions had already been made for evacuation and reintegration, and the decision was not a rejection of MTN’s goodwill but a reflection of state readiness.

Government explains its position

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa stated that the government had secured adequate funding to manage the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians. He noted that the offer from MTN Ghana, initially GHS10 million and later doubled to GHS20 million, was appreciated but unnecessary given the arrangements already in place.

The ministry clarified that the decision was communicated directly to MTN executives earlier in August before being made public on 26 August 2026. Officials stressed that the government’s refusal should not be interpreted as hostility towards MTN but rather as confidence in its own financial preparedness.

Ablakwa further assured that Ghana would publish a full account of evacuation and reintegration costs once the exercise was complete, underscoring the administration’s commitment to transparency and accountability. He added that the government’s responsibility was to ensure that citizens were supported through state resources, avoiding reliance on external corporate donations for humanitarian emergencies.

Officials also highlighted that Ghana has historically managed similar evacuations independently, including the return of citizens from Libya in 2011 and South Africa in 2015, reinforcing the state’s capacity to handle crises without external funding.

MTN Ghana’s humanitarian offer

MTN Ghana’s Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson, had announced the pledge, highlighting the company’s intent to assist returnees in rebuilding their lives after the trauma of xenophobic violence. The telecommunications giant initially set aside GHS10 million, later increasing the amount to GHS20 million to cover both immediate relief and long-term reintegration support.

The company emphasized that its gesture was purely humanitarian and not connected to the violence in South Africa. MTN Ghana expressed its continued commitment to supporting communities in Ghana and reaffirmed its role as a responsible corporate citizen. The donation was intended to demonstrate solidarity with affected families and provide additional resources for reintegration.

Despite the government’s decision, MTN’s offer was widely acknowledged as a demonstration of goodwill, reflecting the private sector’s willingness to contribute to national humanitarian efforts. Analysts noted that corporate donations often play a role in supplementing state resources, but in this case the government’s stance was shaped by its desire to maintain independence and accountability.

MTN Ghana has previously supported national initiatives, including education and health programmes, and the company reiterated that it would continue to invest in Ghana’s development regardless of the government’s decision on this particular offer.

Evacuation and reintegration efforts

Ghana has been conducting a two-phase evacuation exercise, with more than 1,000 nationals already returned from South Africa. The government provided each evacuee with a reintegration package, including a GHS5,500 grant comprising GHS5,000 in reintegration support and GHS500 for transport allowance.

Officials confirmed that the reintegration programme was fully funded by the state, ensuring that returnees received immediate assistance upon arrival. The government also pledged to maintain a favourable business environment for international companies operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.

Public reaction to the decision has been mixed. Some citizens praised the government’s independence and transparency pledge, while others questioned whether rejecting corporate support was necessary. Nonetheless, the administration has stood by its position, insisting that the state is capable of managing the humanitarian response without external financial aid.

Observers have pointed out that the government’s decision may set a precedent for how Ghana balances corporate social responsibility with state-led humanitarian interventions. While MTN’s offer was declined, the company’s willingness to contribute highlights the ongoing role of private firms in national recovery efforts.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that the publication of a detailed financial account would provide clarity and reassure the public of the government’s commitment to accountability in handling the crisis. The report is expected to outline the full costs of evacuation, reintegration, and support packages, offering transparency to both citizens and stakeholders.

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Source: AmeyawDebrah | By: VJ Scaro

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