The Ghanaian government has declined a GH¢20 million ($1.8 million) support offer from MTN Ghana for citizens affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa, saying it has already made adequate financial provisions for their evacuation and reintegration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the decision on August 26, saying the government appreciated MTN’s gesture but had decided not to accept the proposed contribution.

The offer had been intended to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa following renewed attacks against foreign nationals. MTN Ghana initially considered GH¢10 million in assistance before doubling the proposed amount to GH¢20 million, with the intention of helping affected returnees rebuild their livelihoods.

Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa said the government’s position had already been communicated to MTN’s board chairman, Ishmael Yamson, and the company’s chief executive during a meeting on August 14.

The government has been overseeing the evacuation of Ghanaian nationals from South Africa and has also established measures aimed at supporting their reintegration after returning home.

According to Ghanaian media reports, more than 1,000 Ghanaians had been evacuated from South Africa under the government-led operation, with financial assistance also being provided to help returnees restart their livelihoods.

The ministry said it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation once the operation has been completed, citing the government’s commitment to transparency and accountability.

The decision does not amount to a rejection of MTN as a company, the government said. Authorities stressed that Ghana remains committed to maintaining a favourable business environment for international companies operating in the country, regardless of their country of origin.

The move comes as Ghana continues to respond to violence targeting foreign nationals in South Africa, putting pressure on governments across the region to protect their citizens and manage the consequences of xenophobic attacks.

For the Mahama administration, the decision to finance the evacuation and reintegration programme through government resources reflects its intention to retain direct responsibility for the welfare of affected Ghanaian citizens.

MTN’s proposed GH¢20 million contribution, meanwhile, highlights the growing role of major African corporations in responding to regional humanitarian and social crises.

The Ghanaian government’s decision to decline the offer means the company’s proposed funds will not form part of the current state-led evacuation and reintegration programme. The government has yet to indicate whether MTN could support other initiatives at a later stage.