Ghana Declines MTN’s GH¢20 Million Offer For South Africa Returnees

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has declined an offer of GH¢20 million from MTN Ghana intended to support Ghanaians repatriated from South Africa following renewed xenophobic attacks.

In a statement issued on Wednesday, the ministry said the government had already made adequate financial provision for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of affected nationals. 

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

More than 1,600 Ghanaians have been brought home since May 2026 amid the violence targeting African migrants. The evacuation exercise remains ongoing.

The ministry noted that its position was first communicated to MTN Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson and the company’s CEO when they met Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14. MTN had initially planned a GH¢10 million package before increasing it to GH¢20 million.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to providing full financial support for every Ghanaian returned from harm’s way. It also pledged to publish a comprehensive account of the total evacuation costs once the exercise is completed, in the interest of transparency and accountability.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority,” the ministry stated.