Gov’t rejects MTN’s GH¢20m offer for xenophobic attack victims

By Hubeyidatu Mumuni 

The government has declined a GH¢20 million support package reportedly offered by MTN Ghana to assist Ghanaians affected by recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a statement issued on Wednesday, August 26, said it had taken note of reports that MTN Ghana was preparing to donate the amount following comments by the company’s Board Chairman, Dr Ishmael Yamson.

While commending MTN for the gesture, the Ministry said the government had decided not to accept the offer because adequate funds had already been provided for the evacuation and reintegration of affected Ghanaians.

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

The Ministry said the decision was based on arrangements already made by the Mahama administration to finance the ongoing humanitarian exercise.

“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.”

According to the Ministry, the government’s position had already been communicated to Dr Yamson and MTN Ghana’s Chief Executive Officer when they met Foreign Affairs Minister Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.

Despite rejecting the donation, the government said it remained committed to supporting Ghanaians being evacuated from areas affected by the attacks.

“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.”

The Ministry also assured the public that it would publish details of the expenditure incurred during the evacuation exercise once it is completed.

“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 government further reaffirmed its commitment to international companies operating in Ghana, including MTN, stressing that all businesses would continue to receive support irrespective of their country of origin.

“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 that the welfare of Ghanaians remained its overriding priority.

“The welfare of all Ghanaians remains our utmost priority.”