Government Turns Down MTN Ghana’s GH¢20m Offer for South Africa Evacuees

The government has rejected a GH¢20 million donation proposed by MTN Ghana to assist Ghanaians affected by the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying sufficient funding has already been secured for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration exercise.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said it had taken note of reports that MTN Ghana planned to make the contribution following remarks attributed to the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.

While expressing appreciation for the gesture, the Ministry said the government had decided not to accept the offer.

“The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer; however, we respectfully decline,” the statement said.

The Ministry explained that the decision had already been conveyed to MTN’s Board Chairman and Chief Executive Officer during a meeting with Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.

It said the Mahama administration, working with local partners, had made adequate financial arrangements to cater for the continued evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians returning from South Africa.

The government, the Ministry added, remains committed to financing the evacuation exercise and providing reintegration support to every Ghanaian brought back to the country.

The Ministry also assured the public that it would disclose the full cost of the evacuation exercise after the operation has been completed.

It said the publication of the financial details would be in line with the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs assures that it will present to the general public a comprehensive account of the total cost of evacuations as soon as the exercise is concluded, in the interest of transparency and accountability,” the statement said.

The government also reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive environment for international businesses operating in Ghana, regardless of where their parent companies originated.

“Government will continue to create the best business ecosystem for all international brands operating in Ghana to succeed, irrespective of which country their businesses originated from,” the Ministry added.