Ghana: Xenophobia - Ghana Rejects MTN's Donation for Affected Ghanaians

What the report says

Ghana has rejected a GH¢20 million donation offer from MTN to help citizens affected by xenophobic attacks in South Africa, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported by Premium Times and distributed by AllAfrica. The ministry said the government already had enough financial provision in place to cover evacuation and reintegration support for Ghanaians brought home from the crisis.

The article says Ghana has already evacuated more than 1,500 citizens from South Africa since the latest wave of attacks began in April. It cited a first group of 300 repatriated in May, followed by 1,000 more in June, with another batch of 900 announced last month. The ministry said it had conveyed its position to MTN’s board chair and chief executive during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14, 2026.

The government said it appreciates the offer but is declining it while continuing humanitarian evacuations and reintegration assistance. It also said it plans to publish a full account of the total evacuation cost once the process is complete. In broader context, the report reflects wider diplomatic strain linked to anti-foreigner violence in South Africa, which has affected several African countries and prompted repatriation efforts, including by Nigeria.