Government declines MTN’s GH¢20 million donation for Ghanaian victims of xenophobic attacks
Foreign Affairs Ministry Says Government Has Adequate Funds for Evacuation and Reintegration Efforts
The Government of Ghana has respectfully declined a proposed GH¢20 million donation from MTN Ghana to support Ghanaian victims of recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in a press statement dated August 26, said it had become aware of media reports indicating that MTN Ghana was preparing to make the donation following comments attributed to the company’s Board Chairman, Dr. Ishmael Yamson.
According to the Ministry, the government commends MTN for the offer but has decided not to accept it.
The Ministry explained that the Mahama administration had already made adequate provisions for the ongoing evacuation and reintegration of Ghanaians affected by the attacks, making it unnecessary for the government to accept the proposed financial support.
It said the government’s position had earlier been communicated directly to the Board Chair and Chief Executive Officer of MTN Ghana when they called on the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Samuel Okudzeto Ablakwa on August 14.
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian evacuation and reintegration financial support to every Ghanaian brought back from harm’s way.
The Ministry further assured the public that it would publish a comprehensive account of the total cost of the evacuation exercise once it is concluded, as part of efforts to promote transparency and accountability.
The government also reiterated its commitment to creating a conducive business environment for international brands operating in Ghana, regardless of their country of origin.
It stressed that the welfare of Ghanaians remains its utmost priority.
Mike 105.3FM I Navrongo | David Adapuna
