The Government of Ghana has declined an offer by MTN Ghana to donate GH¢20 million for Ghanaian victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said.

"The Government of Ghana commends MTN for the offer, however, we respectfully decline," the Ministry said in a press statement dated August 26, 2026.

The Ministry explained that the decision was based on government's existing arrangements to support affected Ghanaians.

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms that the Mahama Administration has made adequate provision for ongoing evacuations and reintegration of Ghanaians and is therefore unable to accept this offer," it said.

According to the statement, this was not the first time government had communicated its position to MTN. The Ministry noted that the matter had already been raised directly with the company's leadership nearly two weeks before the public statement.

"This position of the Government of Ghana had earlier been directly conveyed to the Board Chair and CEO of MTN when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa (MP) on August 14, 2026," the statement said.

The Ministry said it had become aware of media reports suggesting MTN was preparing to make the donation, with the announcement attributed to an interview granted by MTN Board Chairman Dr Ishmael Yamson.

The Ministry reiterated that government remains focused on its own evacuation and reintegration efforts for Ghanaians affected by the attacks, and committed to disclosing the full cost of the exercise once it wraps up.

"Meanwhile, the Government of Ghana remains fully committed to current humanitarian evacuations and reintegration financial support for every Ghanaian brought back from harm's way," it said, adding: "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."

Beyond the specific offer, the Ministry used the statement to reaffirm government's broader stance toward international companies operating in Ghana, seemingly moving to reassure that the decision was not a reflection of MTN's standing in the country.

"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 statement said.

The Ministry closed by stating: "The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority."