By Benson Daniel
The Ghanaian government has declined a $1.78 million support offer from MTN Ghana for citizens repatriated from South Africa following a wave of anti foreigner attacks and growing tensions involving African migrants.
The proposed assistance, valued at GH¢20 million, was intended to support Ghanaians returning from South Africa after being affected by violence and hostility linked to anti immigrant protests.
The Ghanaian government said it appreciated the gesture but decided not to accept the financial assistance because it had already made budgetary provisions to cover the evacuation of its citizens and provide support after their return.
The decision was communicated to MTN Ghana following discussions between the company’s leadership and Ghana’s Foreign Affairs Ministry. The government maintained that it had sufficient resources to handle the evacuation exercise and the immediate needs of citizens brought back from South Africa.
Ghana has undertaken several evacuation operations to return its nationals amid heightened tensions in parts of South Africa. The exercise involved the use of flights to bring affected citizens back home, particularly those who had been exposed to threats, displacement or difficult living conditions during the unrest.
The first group of returnees arrived in Ghana in May, with subsequent operations continuing as the government worked to bring more citizens home. Hundreds of Ghanaians have been evacuated through the exercise, with additional returnees expected as the operation progresses.
The unrest was linked to growing anti foreigner sentiment and campaigns against undocumented migrants in South Africa. Although some of the protests focused specifically on illegal immigration, concerns were raised over the treatment of foreign nationals more broadly, including migrants who had legal status in the country.
The Ghanaian government has stressed its responsibility to protect its citizens and ensure that those affected by the situation can return home safely.
By declining the MTN support, the government also indicated that it intends to provide a full account of the expenses incurred during the evacuation exercise after it has been completed. The move is aimed at ensuring transparency over public funds used in bringing the affected citizens back to Ghana.
The government has also sought to reassure international businesses operating in Ghana that the decision to reject the donation should not be interpreted as hostility toward foreign investment.
MTN Ghana remains one of the country’s major telecommunications companies, while its parent group has extensive operations across Africa. The company’s proposed assistance was seen as an attempt to support affected Ghanaians during a difficult period.
The rejection of the funds highlights the government’s position that the responsibility for the evacuation and welfare of its citizens should primarily be met through public resources already allocated for the exercise.
The situation also underscores the broader challenges facing African countries as they respond to anti migrant tensions and the movement of their citizens across national borders.
For Ghana, the priority remains completing the repatriation exercise, supporting returning citizens and ensuring that public expenditure associated with the operation is properly documented.
The government is expected to publish a comprehensive account of the evacuation costs once the exercise is concluded, providing greater clarity on the resources committed to bringing Ghanaians home.
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